I love how these Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers combine crisp, slightly sweet cabbage with juicy, savory patties for a meal that’s both comforting and lighter than a classic burger. The cabbage browns at the edges and softens in the oven while the meat stays moist, giving you a satisfying bite with a mild crunch and savory aroma. If you enjoy simple oven meals, you might also like my baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups for an easy sweet side or breakfast.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving; values will vary by exact ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories per serving: 600 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Why Make This Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
This recipe gives you the hearty flavor of a burger without heavy buns. Cabbage acts as a low-carb, slightly sweet "bun" that browns and softens in the oven. The patties stay juicy thanks to the egg and cheese, and the mild paprika adds a warm, smoky note. It’s quick, family-friendly, and great for weeknights when you want something comforting but lighter. Plus, it reheats well and makes for good meal prep.
How to Make Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
These burgers bake in one go and need minimal hands-on time. You’ll prep the cabbage, mix the meat, form patties, assemble like sandwiches, and bake until the meat reaches a safe temperature and the cabbage edges turn golden. The aroma while baking is savory with a hint of caramelized cabbage.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the cabbage into thick slices to form "burger" buns. Aim for slices about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick so they hold together when baked. Pat the slices dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef (or turkey), shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to combine gently until just mixed—don’t overwork the meat or the patties may become dense.
Step 3: Cooking
Take portions of the meat mixture and form patties roughly the same diameter as your cabbage slices. Place a cabbage slice on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased, add a meat patty, then top with another cabbage slice to make a sandwich. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each cabbage “bun” to encourage browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage edges are golden. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey ensures safety.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the cabbage burgers from the oven and let them rest for 3–5 minutes so juices redistribute. The cabbage should be tender with slightly crisped edges, and the patties should be juicy. Serve warm.
How to Serve Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
Serve these like small sandwiches on a plate. Add mustard, ketchup, or a yogurt-based sauce for creaminess. Fresh sliced tomatoes, avocado, or pickles complement the savory patty. For a low-carb meal, serve with a crisp green salad. For a family dinner, pair with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. The burgers also taste great topped with extra shredded cheese while still warm so it melts.
How to Store Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a hot skillet to keep the cabbage from getting soggy.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled or just patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and finishing in the oven for best texture.
- Reheating tip: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Choose a firm cabbage head so slices hold their shape. Core it well before slicing.
- Dry the cabbage slices with a towel to reduce steaming in the oven and help browning.
- Don’t overmix the meat—mix until combined for a tender patty.
- If the patties are thin, reduce baking time slightly to prevent dryness.
- Add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the meat mix for extra depth.
- For even cooking, try to make patties uniform in size and thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Delicious Variations
- Cheese & Herb: Swap cheddar for mozzarella and add chopped parsley and oregano.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a diced jalapeño to the meat mix.
- Turkey & Veggie: Use ground turkey and mix in grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture first).
- Mediterranean: Add crumbled feta, chopped olives, and a pinch of dried thyme.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium breadcrumbs and reduce or omit added salt; boost flavor with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cabbage burgers does this recipe make?
- This recipe makes about 4 cabbage burgers if you use thicker patties and large cabbage slices. You can get 5–6 smaller burgers by making thinner patties.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Yes. Ground turkey works well and reduces fat. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may want to add a little extra oil or cheese to keep the patties moist.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes. You can assemble and bake them, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some crispness. You can also freeze cooked burgers for up to 2 months.
- My cabbage slices fall apart—what did I do wrong?
- If slices are too thin or the cabbage is very leafy, they may not hold. Use firm, even slices about 1/2–3/4 inch thick and core the head well before cutting. Pat dry to remove moisture.
- Are these low-carb?
- Yes, swapping bread buns for cabbage reduces carbs. Using low-carb breadcrumbs or almond flour can lower carbs further. The recipe is a good option if you want a lighter burger-style meal.
- Can I add sauce or toppings before baking?
- You can add a thin layer of tomato sauce or a slice of cheese before the final cabbage top if you like. Be mindful of added moisture—too much sauce can steam the cabbage instead of allowing it to brown.
Conclusion
These Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers are a simple, tasty way to enjoy a burger-style meal with a lighter twist. The cabbage browns and softens while the patties stay juicy and flavorful—perfect for weeknights or meal prep. For more low-carb cabbage-bun ideas and inspiration, check this Cabbage Burgers (Low-Carb & Delicious!) recipe on Cooktoria. Enjoy baking, and have fun making this recipe your own!
Print
Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
These Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers combine crispy cabbage with juicy patties for a comforting yet lighter meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the cabbage into thick slices to form ‘burger’ buns and pat them dry.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef (or turkey), shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Form patties and place a cabbage slice on a baking sheet, followed by a meat patty, and then another cabbage slice. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage edges are golden.
- Let the cabbage burgers rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve these burgers with mustard, ketchup, or a yogurt-based sauce. Great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
