If you’re looking for a delicious and guilt-free dinner option, the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are an excellent choice. These low-carb burgers offer a hearty and cheesy flavor, making them a satisfying meal without the excess calories associated with traditional buns. They are perfect for those who follow a low-carb lifestyle or anyone just wanting to cut back on carbs while still enjoying a burger night! With the perfect blend of savory ground beef or turkey, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese, you won’t even miss the bread.

The best part is how simple these burgers are to whip up. The convenience of oven baking means you can prepare them while doing other tasks around the kitchen. Add to that the unique flavor that the cabbage provides, and you have a recipe that benefits your taste buds as well as your health. Juicy, stuffed with all the right spices, and topped with your favorite cheese, each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Low-Carb Delight: Perfect for those on a keto or low-carb diet, these burgers are made without any bread.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and cheese brings amazing flavors to each bite.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and takes minimal time to prep and bake.
Versatile Protein Options: You can use ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or toppings to get creative with your burgers!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure everything flows smoothly. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.

For the tools, you will need a sharp knife to slice the cabbage into rounds, a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients, and a spatula for handling the burgers once they are baked. Having these ready will help streamline your preparation process. Make sure to have your measuring cups and spoons handy as well since you’ll want to be precise with your ingredient measurements to achieve the best flavors in your burgers.

Ingredients

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small head of cabbage, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg (optional, for binding)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot environment for even cooking once your burgers are ready to go. While waiting for the oven to warm up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan not only helps with easy cleanup but also guarantees that the burgers won’t stick to the surface during baking.

Step 2: Slice the Cabbage

Next, take your head of cabbage and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. These rounds will act as your burger base, so make sure they are uniform in thickness. Once sliced, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to a brush and lightly coat both sides of the cabbage rounds. This step not only adds flavor but also helps them caramelize while baking, enhancing the overall taste of the burger.

Step 3: Mix the Meat

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef (or turkey), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the optional egg if you want to give an extra binding agent. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Getting your hands in there ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a flavorful burger.

Step 4: Form the Burgers

With your meat mixture ready, take a handful and gently press it onto each cabbage round to form a burger patty. Be sure to shape each patty evenly so that they cook at the same rate. The meat should cover the cabbage well, but be careful not to overload it. Arrange each cabbage burger on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Now it’s time to bake your burgers! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. This step allows the meat to cook through while the cabbage softens slightly, creating a texture that is delightful with each bite.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Broil

After the initial baking time, remove the burgers from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each patty. Then, set your oven to broil and return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this time to ensure the cheese melts and turns slightly golden—this adds a deliciously crispy finish!

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices, such as cumin or oregano, to give your burgers unique tastes.

Cooking Notes

Keep an eye on the burgers towards the end of baking to avoid burning the cheese.
If you’re using a thicker cabbage, ensure it’s cooked long enough for a tender bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the burgers with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
Serve with dips like sour cream, mustard, or your favorite dressing on the side.

Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the cabbage rounds in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 160°F (71°C).

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 500mg

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cabbage and meat mixture ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

What can I use instead of cheese?

If you want to keep this recipe dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I freeze these burgers?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked cabbage burgers. Just place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve these burgers with?

These burgers go well with any side dish such as sweet potato fries, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a fantastic low-carb alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. With their hearty ingredients and simple preparation steps, they are perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, they offer versatility, allowing you to mix and match your favorite proteins and vegetables. Are you ready to give them a try? Remember, the best part of cooking is experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make these unique burgers your own! Enjoy creating these delicious treats, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!