Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

If you’re looking for a healthy twist on a classic meal, you’ve come to the right place! Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are not just delicious; they also offer a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional burgers. I love making these on busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet wholesome. They’re perfect for family gatherings too, bringing everyone together around a table filled with flavor!

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. So, whether you’re hosting friends or just trying to keep things light during the week, these cabbage burgers will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can pop these in the oven and let them do their thing while you relax.
• Kid-approved: The kids will love the cheesy goodness and fun shape—who doesn’t enjoy eating a burger made from cabbage?
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the meat mixture in advance, and assemble the burgers right before baking for an effortless meal.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and vegetables, these burgers will keep you feeling full without weighing you down.
• Flavors that shine: The combination of spices and cheese makes every bite a delightful explosion of taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these tasty Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. You’ll find everything you need right here:

For the Cabbage

• 1 small head of cabbage (cut into thick slices)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Burger Mixture

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors or dietary options.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist.
• Add veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into your meat mixture for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to bump up the heat!

How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that our cabbage burgers bake evenly and get that lovely golden color we’re after. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Slice your cabbage into thick rounds about ½-inch thick. This creates sturdy “buns” for our burgers. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil—it adds flavor and helps achieve that beautiful roasted finish. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Make the Burger Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and egg if using. Mixing well here is crucial; it helps meld all those flavors together into one delicious mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Now comes the fun part! Take a handful of your meat mixture and press it onto each cabbage slice. Shape it into a patty that covers most of the cabbage; this way, every bite has that juicy filling we love in burgers.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Pop those beauties in the oven for about 25 minutes. Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each burger. This is where they turn from good to absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Now it’s time to broil! Set your oven to broil and return the baking sheet to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are ready! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired or serve alongside sour cream or mustard as dipping sauces. Enjoy every bite—these are bound to become a new family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you know some handy tips to enhance your cooking!

• Choose the right cabbage: Opt for a small to medium-sized head of cabbage. A fresher cabbage will have a better texture and flavor, making your burgers more enjoyable.

• Use lean meat: For a healthier option, go for lean ground turkey or beef. Lean meat helps reduce the overall fat content while still providing delicious flavor and protein.

• Don’t skip the binding agent: If you want your burgers to stay intact while baking, consider adding an egg or a bit of breadcrumbs to your meat mixture. This will help hold everything together nicely.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Adding herbs like oregano or thyme can complement the flavors beautifully and make these burgers uniquely yours.

• Adjust cooking time based on thickness: If you slice your cabbage thicker than ½-inch, you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure both the cabbage and beef are cooked through.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Serving Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments that enhance their flavor.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sour cream or yogurt: A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy texture that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• Sliced avocados: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats, making each bite even more satisfying.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender. They add vibrant color and nutrition to your meal.

• Cauliflower Rice: Lightly sautéed cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb side that complements the flavors of your cabbage burgers while keeping it light.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory burgers and offer additional fiber and vitamins.

• Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and dill offers a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the hearty burgers.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delicious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you want to prevent sogginess, place parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

• Allow the burgers to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave them on high for about 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some crispness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these tasty burgers!

Can I make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers without cheese?

Absolutely! You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. The burgers will still be flavorful and delicious!

How do I enhance the flavor of my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or chili powder. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a delightful touch!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in these burgers?

Yes! Ground turkey works wonderfully and is a great leaner option while still providing plenty of flavor.

How long do Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers last in the fridge?

Leftover cabbage burgers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Are Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These burgers are perfect for meal prep as they can be made ahead and stored easily, making your weeknight dinners quick and healthy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers a try! They’re not just nutritious; they’re also versatile and absolutely scrumptious. Whether you serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a hearty meal, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!