Say hello to your new favorite cozy meal—Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers! These aren’t your average burgers, my friend. Imagine tender cabbage leaves stuffed with juicy, seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices, all baked to golden perfection in the oven. It’s hearty, comforting, and every bite gives you that nostalgic hug-your-soul kind of vibe. Whether you’re craving something different for dinner or simply want to sneak in more veggies without losing that meaty satisfaction, this burger cabbage recipe is a total winner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple ingredients you probably already have
- A delicious twist on traditional burgers and cabbage rolls
- Hearty, filling, and totally family-friendly
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-approved
- Gluten-free and low-carb without sacrificing flavor
If you’re all about creative burger twists, don’t miss our ultra-crispy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Smash Burgers Recipe! It’s another easy dinner idea that brings the sizzle with way less mess.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cooking Method | Oven-Baked |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 6 cabbage burgers |
| Keywords | Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers, burger cabbage recipe, cabbage and burger recipe, cabbage burgers |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these dreamy cabbage burgers:
- Green cabbage – Look for a large, firm head with flexible outer leaves.
- Ground beef – Juicy, savory, and the main protein in this dish.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic – Because everything tastes better with garlic!
- Egg – Helps bind the filling together.
- Breadcrumbs or almond flour – Keeps it moist and holds the mix.
- Worcestershire sauce – A flavor bomb in a bottle.
- Salt and pepper – For balance and seasoning.
- Paprika and thyme – Adds warmth and herby notes.
- Olive oil or cooking spray – To help everything bake up beautifully.
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.
How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
1. Prep the Cabbage
Start by gently removing the outer cabbage leaves, trying not to tear them. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Filling
In a big bowl, mix your ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Use your hands—it’s the best way to get everything nicely combined.
3. Wrap ‘Em Up
Lay out each cabbage leaf and place a heaping spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the sides over, then roll it up like a cute little burrito. Place seam-side down on a greased baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top or spray with cooking spray. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Burgers
- Use larger outer cabbage leaves for easier wrapping.
- Let the filling sit for 5-10 minutes to let flavors mingle.
- Want more moisture? Add a spoonful of tomato sauce to each burger before baking.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Serving Suggestions
These oven-baked cabbage burgers are fab on their own, but here are some fun pairings:
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top
- A light side salad with vinaigrette
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can assemble the burgers ahead of time and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’re just as good (maybe even better) the next day!
Freezing
Wrap each unbaked cabbage burger tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch too!
FAQs
Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but green cabbage is more tender and easier to work with after blanching.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Totally! Swap the beef for a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty veg version.
How do I keep the cabbage from tearing?
Blanch the leaves first and handle them gently. Use the outer leaves which are usually larger and more flexible.
Can I add a sauce on top?
Absolutely! Tomato sauce, mushroom gravy, or even a creamy cheese sauce would be delish.
Final Thoughts
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are the perfect comfort food with a nutritious twist. They’re rustic, flavorful, and packed with love. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this cabbage and burger recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try and trust me—you’re going to crave these again and again!
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage large and firm with flexible leaves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme dried
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for drizzling
Instructions
- Remove outer cabbage leaves carefully and blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Lay out each cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in sides and roll up like a burrito. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil or spray cooking spray over the rolls. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.