Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Introduction
Looking for a healthier take on burgers without sacrificing flavor? These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers swap out traditional buns for roasted cabbage “steaks,” giving you a crispy, slightly sweet base that pairs perfectly with juicy, cheesy beef patties. Topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, they deliver serious comfort food satisfaction—minus the carbs.
Ideal for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyle—or just looking to add more veggies to their meal routine—this recipe is simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in carbs, high in flavor
- An innovative way to use cabbage as a bun alternative
- Easy to prep and oven-baked, no frying required
- Perfect for meal prep or family-friendly weeknight dinners
- Customizable with your favorite cheese and sauces
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend), divided
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tsp grated garlic
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- Olive oil, for brushing cabbage
Timing
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
- Total Time: 32–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cabbage
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds and lay them flat on the baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together:
- Ground beef
- Grated garlic
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Half the shredded cheese
- Shape into 4 equal-sized patties.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Burgers
- Remove cabbage from the oven.
- Spoon tomato sauce over each cabbage slice.
- Top with a beef patty, then a sprinkle of the remaining cheese.
4. Bake Again
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until beef is fully cooked and cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Garnish with extra herbs or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
- Serve warm, either as-is or with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the first roast of the cabbage—it helps tenderize the leaves and brings out their sweetness.
- Use parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- For extra crisp edges, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Customize by adding sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or a fried egg on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Keto side: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Lighter meal: Add a cucumber tomato salad or a light vinaigrette slaw
- Hearty version: Layer with more toppings like pickles, mustard, or guacamole
- Pair with Blueberry Lemonade or finish with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: In the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for quick lunches
- Meal prep tip: Roast cabbage and mix the beef ahead of time. Assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve.
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are the ultimate healthy comfort food—crispy cabbage, juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, and that saucy finish. Whether you’re cutting carbs, going gluten-free, or just want to try something different, this recipe proves that lighter meals can still be satisfying and crave-worthy.
Made them? Tag @chefmaniac to share your version. For more feel-good comfort food with a twist, follow Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac kitchen.
