Roasted Cabbage Burgers with Tomato Sauce and Melted Cheese
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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
Roasted Cabbage Burgers with Tomato Sauce and Melted Cheese
lifestyle—or just looking to add more veggies to their meal routine—this recipe is simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 32 min
Servings: 4
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
- Calories:
- Fat:
- Carbs:
- Protein:
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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.
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- 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.
