These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a fun twist on traditional burgers! Made with crispy cabbage leaves filled with your choice of hearty fillings, they are tasty and healthy.
I love how easy these are to make! Just bake them until golden and serve with your favorite dip. They’re perfect for lunch or a light dinner—who knew cabbage could be so exciting? 🥬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage works best for these burgers, as its leaves are sturdy and hold up well. If you can’t find green cabbage, you could use savoy cabbage for a bit of a twist, or even bok choy leaves if you want to be adventurous!
Ground Meat: I love using ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey or chicken is a leaner option that works just as well. If making this vegetarian, consider using black beans or lentils mixed with grains as a filling.
Cheese: Cheddar brings a nice sharp flavor, while mozzarella offers a creamy texture. You can swap these for any cheese you have on hand, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or even a dairy-free cheese if lactose-free.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the patties, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers can do the trick. Just use about the same amount!
How Do I Make Sure My Burgers Stay Juicy and Delicious?
To keep your cabbage burgers juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; just combine until all ingredients are blended. Shape the patties a bit larger than the cabbage leaves since they shrink while cooking.
- Ensure your oven is preheated. This helps cook the burgers evenly.
- Bake the burgers on a greased tray; this prevents sticking and helps to crisp up the edges.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F for safety.
When adding cheese, make sure it’s in the last minutes of baking so it melts perfectly without burning. Enjoy assembling with fresh toppings to enhance your flavors!
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cabbage Base:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, leaves separated
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion or finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 slices of cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage for layering
- 4 sandwich buns (optional, used as base or sides)
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to bake, so in total, you’ll spend around 35 minutes to enjoy these delicious burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to give your burgers a nice cook and crispy edges. While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
Carefully separate the large leaves from the head of cabbage. Rinse them under cold water and gently pat them dry with a towel. Arrange 4 of the largest leaves on your greased baking tray — these will act as the base for your burgers.
3. Make the Burger Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the patties can become tough.
4. Shape the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal parts and shape them into patties. Make them slightly larger than the cabbage leaves, as they will shrink during baking.
5. Bake the Patties:
Place each patty on top of the cabbage leaves on your baking tray. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
6. Add Cheese:
After 15 minutes, take the tray out of the oven. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, then return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. This will help the cheese melt perfectly and turn a lovely golden color. Make sure the burgers are fully cooked, and aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7. Prepare the Toppings:
While the burgers are finishing up in the oven, slice your tomatoes and shred any lettuce or cabbage you want to use for extra crunch in your burgers.
8. Assemble Your Burgers:
When the burgers are done, it’s time to build them! On a serving plate or tray, place a cabbage leaf or a sandwich bun as your base. Layer on the shredded lettuce or cabbage, add some tomato slices, and top with the cheesy burger patty.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
If you prefer, you can use toasted sandwich bun tops to add a classic burger touch! Serve your cabbage burgers warm with your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or mayo on the side.
Enjoy your healthier, oven-baked cabbage burgers filled with juicy, cheesy goodness, making for a delightful meal that’s both tasty and light!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for leaner meats.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance! Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without needing to thaw, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they were chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cabbage burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick option.
What Can I Do with Extra Cabbage Leaves?
Any leftover cabbage leaves can be used in salads, stir-fries, or as wraps for other fillings. You can also steam or sauté them as a healthy side dish!
