🍔 Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal without the heavy bread, these oven-baked cabbage burgers are the perfect solution! Juicy, seasoned ground beef is baked right on top of roasted cabbage rounds, then topped with gooey melted cheese for a wholesome, low-carb burger alternative. They’re satisfying, nutrient-packed, and just as comforting as the classic burger—but with a healthy twist.

✨ Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch slices (makes ~4 rounds)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack), divided
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• ½ cup chopped green onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing cabbage)

🥄 Instructions

1. Prep oven & cabbage: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush cabbage rounds lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
2. Bake cabbage base: Place cabbage slices on the baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Prepare beef mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, tomato sauce/ketchup, half the cheese, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, garlic, green onion, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble burgers: Remove cabbage from the oven. Form beef mixture into 4 patties and place one on top of each cabbage round.
5. Bake burgers: Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until beef is fully cooked (internal temp 160°F / 71°C).
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each burger. Bake an additional 3–5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra parsley or green onion and serve hot.

📝 Notes

• Use extra-lean beef or ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for different flavors.
• Make sure cabbage rounds are thick enough to hold the beef.
• Serve with a drizzle of spicy mayo or garlic yogurt sauce for extra flavor.

💡 Tips

• For a crispy base, bake cabbage a little longer before adding beef.
• Use a spatula to carefully transfer burgers—cabbage softens slightly as it bakes.
• Add more veggies (like grated zucchini or bell peppers) into the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• To make it keto-friendly, use sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste.

🍽 Servings

• Makes 4 servings (1 cabbage burger per person).

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: ~480 mg

(Varies depending on cheese and sauce used.)

🌱 Benefits

• Low-carb & keto-friendly – perfect for bread-free burger cravings.
• High in protein – lean beef supports muscle health and keeps you full.
• Rich in fiber & antioxidants – cabbage provides gut-healthy fiber and vitamins C & K.
• Balanced meal – includes protein, veggies, and healthy fats in one dish.
• Family-friendly – fun, flavorful twist on classic burgers.

❓ Q/A

Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap beef for lentil or black bean patties and follow the same method.

Q2: Can I meal prep these?
A: Absolutely—bake and refrigerate. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep texture.

Q3: Will red cabbage work?
A: Yes, but green cabbage is sturdier and holds patties better.

Q4: Can I freeze them?
A: Freeze cooked patties separately and assemble fresh with cabbage when reheating.

Q5: What sides go best with this?
A: A light salad, roasted sweet potato fries, or steamed broccoli pair perfectly.