Okay, stay with me here—oven-baked cabbage burgers sound a little unconventional, but trust me, they’re downright addictive. Imagine crispy-edged cabbage, tender on the inside, hugged by a savory, juicy burger patty and baked to golden perfection. This isn’t your average veggie dish—it’s a full-on comfort meal that hits the spot without the frying mess. Whether you’re cutting back on carbs, sneaking more veggies into your day, or just vibing with something new, these burgers bring that nostalgic, home-cooked warmth… with a twist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome and hearty – packed with fiber and protein, and still totally satisfying.
- Oven-baked means less mess and more hands-off cooking time.
- Low-carb and gluten-free friendly – cabbage is the MVP here.
- Great for meal prep – holds up like a champ in the fridge.
- Big on umami flavor with a crispy cabbage bite you’ll keep dreaming about.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy-peasy |
| Special Diets | Low-carb, gluten-free friendly |
| Focus Keyword | oven-baked cabbage burgers |
Ingredients
No measurements here—scroll to the recipe card below for exact amounts!
- Ground beef or turkey – Choose your fave protein for a juicy, flavorful burger base.
- Cabbage – Green cabbage works best; it holds its shape and gets tender with just the right crisp on the edges.
- Egg – Helps bind your burger mixture so it stays juicy and holds together.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and texture; finely chopped is the move.
- Garlic – Because every good burger needs that zing.
- Salt & pepper – Basic seasoning, but essential.
- Paprika or smoked paprika – Adds a gentle kick and smoky depth.
- Cheese slices (optional) – Melty magic on top, if you’re into it.
- Olive oil – For brushing and helping that cabbage caramelize in the oven.
📝 Scroll down to the full recipe card for all the measurements and instructions!
How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Prep the Cabbage “Buns”
Slice your cabbage into thick rounds—think about ¾ inch slices. Keep the core intact so the rounds don’t fall apart. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, and pop them on a lined baking sheet.
Make the Burger Patties
In a big bowl, mix your ground meat, egg, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into patties about the same size as your cabbage rounds.
Assemble & Bake
Place a patty on each cabbage slice, then top with another cabbage slice like a bun. Gently press together, brush the tops with more oil, and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Add cheese in the last few minutes if you like things melty.
Optional: Broil for Extra Crisp
If you want that crispy golden finish, broil for 2-3 minutes right at the end. Watch closely!
Pro Tips
- Choose smaller cabbages for more manageable burger sizes.
- Don’t skip the oil—that’s your crisp factor right there.
- Add some mustard or hot sauce to the meat mix for extra flavor punch.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat to make cleanup a breeze.
Flavor Variations
- Swap beef for spicy sausage or shredded chicken for a new flavor spin.
- Add chopped spinach or shredded carrots into the patty mix for extra veg power.
- Go cheesy—try mozzarella, cheddar, or even a smoked gouda slice on top!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of garlic aioli or Greek yogurt on the side.
- Pair with sweet potato wedges or a simple garden salad.
- Want it handheld? Wrap in parchment paper and treat it like a regular burger!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the patties and cabbage slices up to a day ahead—just refrigerate separately and assemble right before baking.
Leftovers
Leftovers? These babies reheat beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked patties and cabbage slices separately. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed for a quick, easy meal.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to keep things crisp, or microwave if you’re in a hurry.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Totally! Swap the meat for a plant-based ground or even a lentil-mushroom mix.
Do I have to use green cabbage?
Green cabbage works best, but you could try Savoy or even red cabbage for a funkier twist.
Can I grill them instead of baking?
You bet! Just use foil to keep everything together, and flip carefully.
What keeps the patties from falling apart?
The egg is your secret weapon! It binds everything together and keeps the patties juicy and stable.
Final Thoughts
These oven-baked cabbage burgers are one of those cozy little surprises that win you over bite by bite. They’re rustic, filling, and wildly flavorful—plus they check all the feel-good boxes. So next time you’re craving something hearty but wholesome, grab that cabbage and get baking. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
Cabbage Buns
- 1 head green cabbage cut into 3/4-inch slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
- 1/2 tsp salt for seasoning cabbage
- 1/2 tsp black pepper for seasoning cabbage
Optional Toppings
- 4 slices cheese your choice
- 4 tbsp tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the cabbage slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the cabbage slices in the oven for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Remove the cabbage from the oven. Place a tablespoon of tomato sauce on each cabbage slice, then top with a beef patty and a slice of cheese if using. Cover with another cabbage slice to form a ‘bun.’
- Return the assembled burgers to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces.