Dinner

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe

BySimon Carel January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Introduction

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer a delicious and healthier twist on traditional burgers by using cabbage slices as a base. They are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their meal without sacrificing taste.

The image shows four round, layered mini meatloaf nests placed on a dark baking tray. Each nest has a base layer of golden-yellow shredded potatoes, forming a thick, textured circle. On top of this sits a bright red tomato sauce layer, slightly spread out but mostly covering the potatoes. The top layer is a thick, browned meatloaf patty with a slightly rough texture, sprinkled with green herbs and bits of melted cheese. A woman's hand holds a shiny silver spoon above one of the nests, as if about to serve. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head of green cabbage, cut into 1-inch slices
1 pound of lean ground beef
1/2 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack), divided
1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange the cabbage slices on a rimmed sheet pan. Brush a little oil on the cabbage slices and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Roast the cabbage slices in the oven for about 10 minutes to precook them, which helps prevent overcooking the beef patties later.
Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef with grated garlic, chopped green onion, parsley, red chili pepper flakes, half of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well and divide the mixture into four equal patties.
Step 4: Remove the cabbage from the oven, spread a tablespoon of tomato sauce on each slice, and sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the sauce. Place a beef patty on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the patties.
Step 5: Return the cabbage burgers to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked to your preference and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Use your favorite cheese or a blend for different tastes—cheddar or pepper jack work well.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mix.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving to keep the cabbage crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows six pieces of a baked dish arranged on a dark, slightly worn baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three layers: the bottom layer is light green and white roasted cabbage leaves forming a cup shape, the middle layer is a rich red tomato sauce spread over the cabbage, and the top layer is browned, melted cheese covering a cooked ground meat patty, speckled with crispy golden spots. The cabbage edges are slightly charred, and each piece is garnished with small bits of fresh green herbs sprinkled on the cheese. The lighting highlights the juicy texture of the meat and the glossy shine of the tomato sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use red cabbage or savoy cabbage as an alternative, though cooking times may vary slightly due to their different textures.

Is it necessary to pre-roast the cabbage slices?

Pre-roasting softens the cabbage and helps prevent the burgers from becoming soggy. It also ensures the beef cooks evenly without overcooking the cabbage base.