These oven-baked cabbage burgers are tasty and healthy! Made with fresh cabbage leaves, they are filled with your choice of veggies or meat, giving a fun twist on traditional burgers.
What’s great is that you can customize them however you like. I love adding a bit of cheese on top before baking for a nice melty surprise! 🍔💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here! It gets shredded and mixed into the burgers, adding moisture. Feel free to mix in some purple cabbage for color; it won’t change the taste much. You can use napa cabbage for a milder flavor, too.
Ground Meat: I love using ground turkey for a lighter option, but beef is great if you want more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try lentils or a mix of beans as a protein alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are fantastic, but if you’re watching carbs, almond flour is a great low-carb substitute. I also enjoy using crushed crackers or even oats in a pinch!
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan gives these burgers a nice flavor boost. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a tasty alternative. Just sprinkle it in to maintain that cheesy vibe without the dairy!
How Do You Ensure Your Cabbage Burgers Hold Together?
Keeping your burgers from falling apart is key! The mixture of ground meat with cabbage needs proper binding. Here’s how to make sure yours stay intact:
- Use the egg as a binder; it helps hold everything together while baking.
- Make sure to finely chop the onions and garlic, as large pieces can create gaps that lead to crumbling.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes. This gives the breadcrumbs time to absorb moisture.
Lastly, when forming patties, be gentle but firm. A well-shaped patty will hold its shape during baking!
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cabbage Burgers:
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., oregano or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You may want to set aside some extra time for chopping veggies and getting everything mixed together. All in all, you’ll have a delicious meal in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, take a moment to lightly grease or line a baking tray with parchment paper—this will make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined and all the ingredients are nicely incorporated.
3. Add the Cabbage:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded green and purple cabbage! Gently mix it into the meat mixture until it’s evenly distributed. The cabbage adds moisture, so don’t skip this step!
4. Shape the Patties:
Form the mixture into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Place each patty on the prepared baking tray, giving them some space so they can cook evenly.
5. Top with Sauce:
Spread a spoonful of marinara or tomato sauce on top of each patty. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the burgers moist while they bake!
6. Bake the Burgers:
Slide the baking tray into the oven and bake the burgers for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and look nicely browned on top.
7. Optional Broil:
If you like a little caramelization, you can broil the burgers for 2-3 minutes at the end—but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once they’re ready, take the burgers out of the oven, garnish them with fresh herbs, and serve them on a bed of shredded cabbage or alongside your favorite side dish.
9. Enjoy!
Bite into these delicious, healthy oven-baked cabbage burgers! They’re perfect for a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for the Burgers?
Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix—whatever you prefer or have on hand. Just remember that leaner meats like turkey or chicken might require moisture additions like extra seasoning or olive oil to keep the burgers juicy!
How Can I Make These Burgers Vegetarian or Vegan?
You can easily switch to a vegetarian option by using lentils, beans, or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. For a vegan version, omit the egg and use a flax or chia seed egg instead (mix 1 tablespoon of ground seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it gels). Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture a day in advance! Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply form the patties and bake as directed! This makes for a quick meal on busy nights.
