If you’re looking for a unique, healthy burger alternative, these oven-baked cabbage burgers are a must-try. Roasted cabbage provides a slightly sweet, crispy base, complementing the juicy, seasoned beef patties. Topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want a lighter meal, these cabbage burgers are an easy and flavorful option.
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack), divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tsp grated garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Arrange cabbage slices on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with garlic, green onion, parsley, red chili flakes, half the cheese, salt, and pepper. Shape into four patties.
- Top each cabbage slice with tomato sauce, a beef patty, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variation
- Swap the Protein:
Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. These options pair well with the roasted cabbage and still soak up all the savory flavors of the seasonings and tomato sauce. - Cheese Choices:
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a twist on the flavor profile. Each cheese will melt differently—mozzarella gives you a gooey pull, while cheddar adds a sharper bite. - Add Extra Veggies:
Mix finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the beef mixture for an extra veggie boost. This not only enhances nutrition but adds moisture and depth to the patties.
Cooking Notes
- Cabbage Thickness Matters:
Cut cabbage slices about 1 inch thick so they hold up during baking without falling apart. If slices are too thin, they can burn or become too flimsy to support the toppings. - Don’t Skip Pre-Roasting:
Roasting the cabbage before assembling the burgers is key to bringing out its natural sweetness and ensuring it’s tender enough to bite into. Skipping this step can result in tough, undercooked cabbage. - Use Parchment or Grease the Pan:
To avoid sticking and make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it before placing the cabbage slices down.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a Side Salad:
Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a creamy slaw to keep the meal refreshing and balanced. The crunchy freshness complements the hearty baked burgers. - Add a Dipping Sauce:
Offer a small bowl of garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or herbed yogurt dip on the side. These sauces can add an extra layer of richness and flavor to each bite. - Make It a Stack:
For a fun twist, stack two cabbage burger layers on top of each other with extra sauce or grilled onions in between for a knife-and-fork experience.
Tips
- Prep Ahead:
You can prep the patties and chop all your vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready. This makes dinner quick and hassle-free on busy nights. - Use a Meat Thermometer:
To ensure your beef patties are fully cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This helps you avoid overbaking and keeps the meat juicy. - Customize the Heat Level:
Adjust the red chili flakes to your spice preference, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra kick. If you’re cooking for kids, you can leave out the spice altogether and let adults add it later.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and slice the cabbage a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to cook, just assemble and bake. It’s a great make-ahead meal option for busy weeknights. - Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Just be sure to use a sugar-free tomato sauce or ketchup to keep it within keto guidelines. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Let the cabbage burgers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to retain texture, or microwave for a quick option (though the cabbage will soften more). - Can I freeze cabbage burgers?
You can freeze the raw beef patties, but the cabbage doesn’t freeze well once baked as it can become mushy upon thawing. If freezing, store uncooked patties with parchment between each, then thaw and assemble fresh before baking.
Conclusion
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are the perfect fusion of comfort food and healthy eating. With crisp roasted cabbage as the base, juicy seasoned beef patties, and gooey melted cheese on top, they deliver bold flavor without the bun. Whether you’re cutting carbs, following a gluten-free diet, or just looking for a satisfying meal with a twist, this recipe is easy to love, and even easier to make. Try it once, and it might just become a regular on your weekly dinner rotation.
Print
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a unique, healthy burger alternative, these oven-baked cabbage burgers are a must-try. Roasted cabbage provides a slightly sweet, crispy base, complementing the juicy, seasoned beef patties. Topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want a lighter meal, these cabbage burgers are an easy and flavorful option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack), divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tsp grated garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Arrange cabbage slices on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with garlic, green onion, parsley, red chili flakes, half the cheese, salt, and pepper. Shape into four patties.
- Top each cabbage slice with tomato sauce, a beef patty, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a variation.
- Feel free to add pickles or a dollop of mustard on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage burger
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cabbage burgers, keto burger, oven-baked burger, healthy burger, gluten-free burger