Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy dinner option, you’ve come to the right place! Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are one of my absolute favorites. They make a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional burgers while still being hearty and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy but also great for family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones with something a little different.

What makes these cabbage burgers so special is their versatility and flavor. The combination of juicy ground beef or turkey, aromatic spices, and melted cheese nestled between thick slices of cabbage creates a delightful bite that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these burgers come together quickly, making them a great choice even on the busiest nights.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the taste! The fun presentation makes it easy to get everyone excited about dinner.
• Great for meal prep: You can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat them throughout the week. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and cheese adds delicious depth to each bite, keeping your taste buds happy.
• Low-carb goodness: These burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger without all the carbs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what goes into this delicious dish!

For the Burger

• 1 small head of cabbage (cut into thick slices)
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option that still packs flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for extra nutrients and color.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for something tangy.
• Spice it up: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture if you like a little heat in your burger.

How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your burgers cook evenly and get that lovely golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Slice the cabbage head into thick rounds, about half an inch thick. Brush both sides with olive oil – this step not only adds flavor but helps the cabbage get tender while baking. Place them on a lined baking sheet so they bake nicely without sticking.

Step 3: Make the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and egg if you’re using it. Mix well! This mixture is where all those wonderful flavors come together.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Now it’s time to assemble! Take a handful of your meat mixture and press it onto each cabbage slice. Shape it into a nice patty that holds together well. This is where you can let your creativity shine!

Step 5: Bake Away!

Place your prepared cabbage burgers in the oven and bake them for about 25 minutes. When they’re done baking, you’ll want to sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each burger before returning them to the oven.

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Switch on the broiler for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and turns slightly golden. Keep an eye on them during this step; we don’t want anything burning!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once they’re out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like! Serve with sour cream, mustard, or any favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite of these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers with family or friends – they are sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you create the perfect dish!

• Choose the right cabbage: Select a small head of cabbage that feels firm and heavy. This ensures thick slices that hold up well when baked and adds a nice crunch to your burgers.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: Seasoning the meat mixture generously is key to flavor. The combination of smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce enhances the taste, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic choices, feel free to try other types like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist. This allows you to customize the burgers to your taste preferences.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the burgers during baking. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing them to cook through.

• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Presenting your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers beautifully can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the flavors of the burgers.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and balances out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Pair your cabbage burgers with roasted veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Their caramelized sweetness complements the savory burgers perfectly.
• Crispy sweet potato fries: Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, offering a sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the savory cabbage burgers.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and nutrition to your meal.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing works well as a refreshing side dish that echoes the burger’s main ingredient.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re ready to whip up some scrumptious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers that are sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are fantastic for meal prep! You can make them in advance, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious burgers fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply place them back in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cabbage burgers before or after cooking.
• If freezing uncooked, place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• If freezing cooked burgers, ensure they are cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen uncooked burgers, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
• For reheating cooked burgers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for quick reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers that might help you along the way!

Can I use other types of meat for Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite protein.

How do I know when my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are done?

Cooked cabbage burgers should have an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) if you’re using beef or turkey. The cheese should be melted and golden on top as well!

What toppings go well with Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

You can enhance your cabbage burgers with a variety of toppings like sliced avocado, fresh herbs, pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor!

Can I make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers vegan?

Yes! Substitute ground meat with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables or legumes combined with binding agents like flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg.

How can I add more flavor to my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

Consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also add great flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers as much as I do! They’re not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or just want something new to try, these burgers are sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations—I would love to hear how they turned out!