Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
A healthier twist on classic burgers, using cabbage leaves instead of buns for a nutritious and savory meal.
Ingredients
Cabbage Base
- 1 small head Cabbage (cut into thick slices) Look for seasonal cabbage at your local farmer's market for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for brushing) Ingredients should ideally be at room temperature before cooking.
Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey (or ground chicken or plant-based options) For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Chop onions a day in advance to save time.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if needed.
- 1 large Egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 cup Cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the cabbage into thick slices, about 1-2 inches wide. Lay them flat on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the cabbage slices and ensure they are evenly coated.
Cook Cabbage
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the cabbage for about 20 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Prepare Filling
- While the cabbage is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Mix Meat
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the egg, if using. Mix until just combined.
Form Patties and Cook
- Divide the meat mixture into portions and shape them into patties, matching the size of the cabbage slices.
- Remove the cabbage from the oven and place a meat patty on top of each slice. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving
- Carefully transfer the burgers to plates and enjoy them hot.
Notes
These burgers make for an impressive centerpiece on any dinner table. Pair with a fresh side salad or sweet potato fries. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.