Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers: A Healthy Twist on Classic Flavor Recipe
Introduction
Oven-baked cabbage burgers offer a healthy twist on the classic burger by replacing buns with tender cabbage slices. This recipe combines flavorful seasoned meat with the subtle sweetness of baked cabbage for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage (cut into thick slices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or ground chicken or plant-based options)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 cup cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Slice the cabbage into thick ½ inch slices and brush both sides generously with olive oil.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the egg if you are using it for extra binding.
- Step 4: Form the meat mixture into patties that will fit on top of the cabbage slices and place each patty on a cabbage slice.
- Step 5: Arrange the cabbage slices with patties on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked.
- Step 6: If desired, sprinkle cheese on top of the patties and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your healthy cabbage burgers.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with lentils.
- Try adding your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella for the topping cheese to create a melty, flavorful finish.
- Brush the cabbage slices with a bit of garlic-infused olive oil for added aroma.
Storage
Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to preserve the texture of the cabbage and meat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat as long as it’s fully thawed before mixing with other ingredients to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to use an egg in the meat mixture?
The egg helps bind the patties together, but it’s optional. If you skip it, be careful when forming the patties to keep them intact while baking.
PrintOven-Baked Cabbage Burgers: A Healthy Twist on Classic Flavor Recipe
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers by using thick cabbage slices as a base, combined with a seasoned ground meat mixture and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a nutritious meal that’s both low-carb and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head Cabbage (cut into thick slices)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey (or ground chicken or plant-based options)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 large Egg (optional, for binding)
Other
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for brushing)
- 1 cup Cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the burgers evenly.
- Prepare Cabbage Slices: Slice the small head of cabbage into thick ½ inch slices and brush both sides of each slice generously with olive oil to promote roasting and add flavor.
- Mix Meat Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices. Add the egg if using, to help bind the mixture together.
- Form Patties: Shape the seasoned meat mixture into patties sized to fit on the cabbage slices, then place each patty directly on top of a cabbage slice on a baking tray.
- Bake Burgers: Place the cabbage slices with meat patties into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Add Cheese and Broil: If desired, sprinkle cheese over the cooked patties and switch the oven to broil. Broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the burgers from the oven, optionally garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives depending on dietary preferences.
- Using the egg is optional but recommended for better binding of the meat mixture.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth, but you can omit or replace with other spices you prefer.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cabbage slices separately before placing the patties on them.
- These burgers are a great low-carb option perfect for gluten-free diets when using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Keywords: cabbage burgers, healthy burgers, baked burgers, low carb, gluten free, ground beef, turkey burgers, oven baked

