Enjoy a new twist on classic burgers by layering juicy ground beef patties and melted cheese atop roasted cabbage slices. Tomato sauce and fresh herbs add flavor, while baking in the oven keeps the dish hands-off and wholesome. This method creates a lower-carb alternative packed with satisfying textures, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or lighter gatherings. Prepping is quick, and the result is a tender, savory main everyone will enjoy straight from the oven.
Oven-baked cabbage burgers are my answer to those nights when I crave a juicy burger but want a lighter twist without the bun. They bring together the comfort of roasted cabbage steaks and all the flavors of a classic burger. Crisp-edged cabbage pairs with savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and a bright tomato topping for a weeknight meal that feels both familiar and new.
The first time I made these burgers was for a family get together and everyone raved about how satisfying and fun they were. Now it is a go-to recipe when I want something hearty but still wholesome.
Ingredients
Green cabbage: Thick slices give a sturdy base; roasting makes it sweet and tender. Choose a firm head with tight leaves for best slices
Lean ground beef: Rich and juicy. Select beef with little visible fat for less shrinkage
Tomato sauce or ketchup: Adds tang and moisture. Try to pick a nutrient-dense sauce without too much sugar
Shredded cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack for melty texture and mild flavor. Use fresh blocks for best melt if possible
Salt and black pepper: For balanced seasoning. Freshly ground pepper amps up the aroma
Red chili pepper flakes: Brings gentle heat
Grated garlic: For a bold depth of flavor. Use fresh garlic and grate it fine for best taste
Chopped green onion: Brightens each bite. Look for crisp stalks with vibrant green tops
Chopped parsley: Gives fresh color and herbal lift. Choose leafy bunches with no yellowing leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage Slices:Place cabbage slices on a large baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures the cabbage softens and caramelizes in the oven
Roast the Cabbage:Bake the slices in a preheated oven at 400ºF or 200ºC for ten minutes. Look for slightly tender leaves with a hint of browning at the edges
Mix the Burger Patties:In a mixing bowl combine the beef, garlic, green onion, parsley, red chili flakes, half the shredded cheese, plus salt and pepper. Blend thoroughly with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed
Shape and Assemble:Form the beef mixture into four patties equal in size. Place one patty on each roasted cabbage round. Spoon tomato sauce or ketchup over the patties and top with the remaining shredded cheese
Bake to Perfection:Return the tray to the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes. The burgers are ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden and the beef is fully cooked inside
Serve Hot:Remove gently with a spatula and plate the cabbage burgers while they are hot for the best melty texture
You Must Know
- High protein dinner that keeps you full for hours
- Perfect for meal prep; just reheat in the oven to restore crisp edges
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and cheeses
Cheese is my favorite part of these burgers because as it bakes it gets irresistibly gooey and holds everything together. My kids always try to sneak the cheesiest slice right off the tray and those browned bits are little bites of happiness.
How To Store Leftovers
Store cooked cabbage burgers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Place parchment between layers so the cheese does not stick. Reheat under the broiler or in a hot oven until warmed through and edges crisp again. Freezing is possible but the cabbage may get softer once thawed.
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten things up or use a plant-based mince for a vegetarian version. Any melting cheese will work; feel free to use pepper Jack or smoked provolone for a different twist. If you are out of fresh parsley, dried parsley or another chopped herb like basil will still boost the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers just as they are or stack them with thin slices of tomato or avocado for extra color and freshness. I like to drizzle with a little extra tomato sauce right before serving. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Pro Tips
- Pat the cabbage slices dry before roasting so they crisp and caramelize rather than steam
- Season every layer, even the cabbage base, to build more flavor from top to bottom
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after baking for easy lifting and less cheese slide
Baking cabbage with hearty toppings has roots in old European country kitchens where resourceful cooks stretched simple ingredients into filling meals. This dish is a nod to tradition but with playful spins from modern burger flavors. It is proof simple vegetables can anchor the main event.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different meat for the patties?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a lighter option.→ How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?
Roasting the cabbage briefly before baking helps maintain a firm texture and prevents sogginess.→ What types of cheese work best?
Melty cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack are ideal, but cheddar also brings great flavor.→ Can this meal be prepared ahead?
You can assemble the layers in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenience.→ Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, the cabbage slices replace traditional buns, making this meal a tasty low-carb alternative.
Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
Cabbage slices layered with spiced beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and baked for a hearty comfort meal.
Prep Time
12 Minutes
Cook Time
22 Minutes
Total Time
34 Minutes
Ingredients
→ Vegetables
01 1 head green cabbage, sliced into 2.5 cm rounds
02 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped green onion
03 1/2 cup (15 g) chopped parsley
→ Meat
04 450 g lean ground beef
→ Dairy
05 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
→ Sauces
06 120 ml tomato sauce or ketchup
→ Seasonings
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
10 1 teaspoon grated garlic
→ Oils
11 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 01
Preheat oven to 200ºC. Arrange cabbage rounds in a single layer on a lined baking tray. Brush each slice with vegetable oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 02
Roast the seasoned cabbage slices for 10 minutes, or until slightly tender.
Step 03
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated garlic, chopped green onion, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, half of the shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just incorporated. Divide the mixture evenly into four portions and shape each into a patty.
Step 04
Top each roasted cabbage round with a spoonful of tomato sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, a beef patty, and the remaining cheese.
Step 05
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and patties are cooked to your desired doneness. Serve hot.
