If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and unique twist on traditional burgers, these oven-baked cabbage burgers are a perfect choice. The cabbage acts as a low-carb, crunchy alternative to a bun, creating a lighter yet satisfying version of a classic favorite. Whether you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, or just craving something different, these cabbage burgers are both nutritious and delicious. They are simple to make, packed with flavor, and offer a refreshing change from the usual burger experience. In this recipe, we’ll use fresh cabbage leaves, oven-baked to perfection, filled with a flavorful patty, and topped with your favorite burger ingredients. It’s an easy, healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste!
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Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Oven-baked cabbage burgers, a healthier and low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, featuring savory seasoned cabbage wrapped in a delicious, crispy exterior.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 1 lb), shredded
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, onion, egg, breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Take a small handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a small patty.
- Take a leaf of shredded cabbage and place the meat patty in the center. Fold the cabbage around the meat to form a burger-like shape, sealing the edges. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the cabbage-wrapped patties on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Lightly spray the tops of the cabbage burgers with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cabbage is golden and the meat is fully cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite condiments or as a low-carb option with a side salad.
Notes
- Feel free to add shredded cheese on top of the burgers during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
- For extra flavor, try adding your favorite seasonings or sauces to the meat mixture.
- If using turkey, ensure it is fully cooked through as it can dry out faster than beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cabbage – The star of this recipe! Large cabbage leaves are used as the “bun” to hold the burger, providing a crispy and slightly sweet texture. You’ll need a large cabbage head to get the perfect leaves.
Ground Beef or Turkey – You can use either ground beef or turkey for the patties, depending on your preference. Ground beef adds a richer, juicier flavor, while turkey gives a leaner, lighter option.
Egg – An egg helps bind the patty together, keeping it moist and holding it in perfect form.
Breadcrumbs – To help the patties maintain structure, breadcrumbs (or a gluten-free alternative) add texture and absorb any extra moisture.
Garlic Powder – A little garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the meat’s taste.
Onion Powder – Onion powder provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the burger patty.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the patty and elevating the flavors of the beef or turkey.
Cheese – If you’d like to make your cabbage burgers extra indulgent, cheese is a great addition. Go for cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese to melt on top of the patty.
Condiments and Toppings – Feel free to add ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or any other toppings that you love on your burgers.
Olive Oil – Used to lightly coat the cabbage leaves and add a touch of richness and flavor.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, trying to keep them as large and intact as possible. You’ll need about 8-10 large leaves.
- Lightly coat the cabbage leaves with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the leaves soften and become slightly crispy.
- In a bowl, combine your ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into patties.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
- Once the patties are cooked, place one on each cabbage leaf. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on the patty while it’s still hot to allow it to melt.
- After the cabbage leaves are done baking, remove them from the oven and assemble your cabbage burgers by stacking the patties and toppings between two cabbage leaves.
- Serve with your favorite condiments and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4, with an estimated preparation and cooking time of 30-40 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the patties in the oven or microwave and serve with fresh cabbage leaves.
Variations and Customizations
- Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with chicken, pork, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like Swiss, provolone, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg to your cabbage burger.
- Spices: Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the burger patties for an extra kick of flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one cabbage burger (based on ground beef and standard toppings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein (g) | 30 |
| Carbs (g) | 10 |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 8 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 |
| Sodium (mg) | 400 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Crispier Cabbage: For extra crispy cabbage leaves, bake them a little longer or broil them at the end for 1-2 minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Try adding Worcestershire sauce or a bit of soy sauce to the meat mixture for an added layer of umami flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes! You can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether for a low-carb option.
Can I grill the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, grilling the patties is a great alternative for added smoky flavor.
Can I add bacon to these cabbage burgers?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon would be a delicious addition to these cabbage burgers for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I make the cabbage burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can also pre-bake the cabbage leaves.
Can I use lettuce instead of cabbage?
While cabbage holds up better in this recipe, lettuce can be used as a substitute, though it may not provide the same structure.
How do I make the cabbage leaves softer?
Baking the cabbage leaves until they’re tender is key. You can also blanch them briefly in boiling water before baking.
What can I serve with cabbage burgers?
These burgers go great with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even some sweet potato fries.
How do I keep the cabbage leaves from falling apart?
Be sure to bake the leaves until they’re soft but still intact, and avoid overstuffing them with toppings or too many condiments.
Can I make these cabbage burgers without cheese?
Absolutely! They are just as delicious without cheese, especially with fresh vegetables and condiments.
Conclusion
Oven-baked cabbage burgers are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional burgers that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb, gluten-free option or simply want to switch up your burger game, this recipe is perfect. With tender cabbage leaves, juicy burger patties, and your favorite toppings, these cabbage burgers are a delicious, satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
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