The scent of simmering cabbage always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a cozy haven filled with simple, nourishing meals. She had a knack for turning humble ingredients into something truly special. One crisp autumn afternoon, looking for a way to capture that comforting essence in a modern, weeknight-friendly dish, I experimented with ground beef and finely shredded cabbage.
The result? These incredible, flavorful Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. They perfectly encapsulate that homey feeling, offering a hearty, savory bite that’s both familiar and exciting.
This recipe for Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers quickly became a family favorite, a testament to how versatile and delicious cabbage can be when paired with the right seasonings. You will love how easy it is to prepare these satisfying patties.
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
You are about to discover your new favorite weeknight meal! These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, making them a standout dish. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make.
Forget complicated techniques; this recipe simplifies healthy eating without sacrificing taste. Baking these burgers ensures a tender, juicy interior with a beautifully browned exterior, all without the fuss of stovetop frying. This method also means less oil and less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. You will appreciate the minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Furthermore, these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are remarkably versatile. You can serve them in so many ways, from classic burger buns to lettuce wraps, or even crumbled over a salad. They fit seamlessly into various dietary preferences, too.
The clever inclusion of finely shredded cabbage adds a subtle sweetness and a fantastic texture, boosting the nutritional value without overpowering the savory beef. Even picky eaters often enjoy these because the cabbage blends so well into the patty. You get all the goodness of vegetables in a hearty, satisfying form. Preparing these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers means enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal the whole family will love.
They are also excellent for meal prep. Cook a big batch on Sunday, and you have quick, healthy lunches or dinners ready for the entire week. The flavors meld beautifully as they sit, making them even more delicious the next day.
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers truly deliver on convenience, taste, and nutrition. Give them a try; you won’t regret it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. You’ll find most of these staples in your pantry and refrigerator, making this recipe incredibly accessible.
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) ground beef (80/20 lean is ideal for flavor)
- 4 cups (about 400g) finely shredded green cabbage (from about 1 small head)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (about 60g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup (about 60g) finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing patties)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these delicious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prepares the stage for your fantastic Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Shred the Cabbage: Begin by finely shredding your green cabbage. You can use a food processor with a shredding attachment, a mandoline, or a sharp knife. Aim for very thin strips so they blend seamlessly into the patties.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This step adds depth of flavor to your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cabbage, cooled sautéed onion and garlic, lightly beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried dill, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using clean hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. You want everything evenly distributed throughout the mixture for your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions, depending on your desired burger size. Shape each portion into a flat, round patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed patties onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a little space between each one. Brush the tops of the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the Burgers: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until the burgers are cooked through and beautifully browned. An instant-read thermometer should register 160°F (71°C) in the center of the patties.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful burger.
- Enjoy: Serve your warm and delicious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers as desired!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is simple with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your cooking and ensure your burgers are a hit every time.
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for any ground meat patty. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense burgers. Mix just until all ingredients are combined. Gentle hands create tender Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Finely Shred Cabbage: The finer you shred the cabbage, the better it integrates into the patties. Large chunks can make the burgers fall apart or create an uneven texture. A food processor is your best friend here.
- Squeeze Excess Moisture: Cabbage contains a lot of water. If you find your mixture too wet, especially after adding the raw cabbage, you can lightly salt the shredded cabbage, let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the beef. This helps prevent soggy Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Chill the Mixture: If time allows, chilling the mixture for 20-30 minutes after combining helps the flavors meld and makes the patties easier to form and less likely to crumble. This step creates more cohesive Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Uniform Patty Size: Aim for consistent patty thickness and size. This ensures all your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still raw.
- Thumb Indentation: Always make a small indentation in the center of each patty before baking. This simple trick prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle and shrinking too much on the sides, resulting in perfectly flat Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your burgers space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam them instead of allowing them to brown nicely. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking. This guarantees perfectly cooked Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
- Resting is Key: After baking, let the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste a small portion of the raw mixture (or cook a tiny test patty) and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) to your preference. This ensures your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are seasoned just right.
A key to success in your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers lies in mastering the method. Enhance your cooking skills further with a refreshing Frozen Strawberry Margarita Recipe, perfect for pairing with your savory dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are fantastic for meal prep, making your weeknights a breeze. Knowing how to store and reheat them properly ensures you enjoy their delicious flavor every time.
- Storing Cooked Burgers: Once your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers of patties to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing Cooked Burgers: These burgers freeze beautifully! After they cool, wrap each individual Oven-Baked Cabbage Burger tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Freezing Uncooked Patties: You can also prepare the patties ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. Place the shaped raw Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each patty. They will last for 1-2 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating in the Oven: For the best results, reheat Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: You can also reheat them gently in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet to trap steam and heat them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
- Reheating in the Microwave: While convenient, microwaving can sometimes make the burgers a bit rubbery. If using a microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power, checking every 30 seconds until hot. This method works well for a quick reheat, but the oven or stovetop will give you better texture for your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These savory Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Classic Burger Sides: Serve your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers on soft burger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a delicious sauce. A side of crispy oven-baked fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings makes it a traditional comfort meal.
- Healthy & Light: For a lighter option, wrap these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers in crisp lettuce leaves or serve them over a bed of mixed greens as a “burger salad.” A side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad works beautifully.
- Comforting & Hearty: Pair the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty rice pilaf. A side of roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips also complements the rich flavor of the burgers.
- Flavorful Sauces: A dollop of plain yogurt mixed with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice creates a refreshing sauce. Ketchup, mustard, or a spicy aioli are always excellent choices. A homemade mushroom gravy poured over the top turns these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers into a gourmet experience.
- Coleslaw: What better to serve with cabbage burgers than more cabbage? A creamy, tangy coleslaw offers a perfect contrast in texture and flavor.
- Soup or Salad: A light vegetable soup or a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a perfect prelude or accompaniment to these fulfilling Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
No matter what you choose, these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers will be the star of your plate!
To create a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers with delightful sides. Satisfy your sweet tooth afterwards with a delightful recipe for Strawberry Lemon Cream Scones that perfectly complements your main dish.
FAQs
Can I make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture for your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers and form the patties a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. You can also freeze cooked or uncooked patties as detailed in the Storage & Reheating Tips section.
Why are my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers falling apart?
There are a few reasons why your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers might be crumbling. The most common issues are not enough binder (egg or breadcrumbs), too much moisture from the cabbage, or not mixing the ingredients thoroughly enough. Make sure to really squeeze out any excess water from the shredded cabbage if it seems particularly wet. Also, chilling the patties before baking can help them hold their shape better.
Can I pan-fry or grill these Cabbage Burgers instead of baking?
Yes, you can! If you prefer, you can pan-fry these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. For grilling, brush the patties lightly with oil and grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Baking offers a hands-off approach and less mess, but other methods work too.
What kind of cabbage works best for these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?
Green cabbage is typically recommended for these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers due to its firm texture and mild flavor when cooked. However, you can also use Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, both of which are a bit softer and will still integrate nicely into the patties. Ensure you shred it very finely for the best results.
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a delicious and healthy option that creatively incorporate this often-overlooked vegetable into a popular dish. These burgers not only offer a nutritious alternative but also highlight the versatility of cabbage in various cuisines, making it a unique and satisfying meal choice for many. Learn more about this versatile vegetable here.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers, based on 8 patties per recipe. These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are hearty, savory patties made with ground beef and finely shredded cabbage, perfect for a weeknight family meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef
4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
1 large egg, lightly beate
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onio
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Finely shred the green cabbage using a food processor, mandoline, or sharp knife
- Sauté finely chopped yellow onion in a skillet with olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute; let cool slightly
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cabbage, cooled onion and garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dill, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing
- Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and form patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make an indentation in the center of each patty
- Place patties on the baking sheet and brush tops with olive oil
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F)
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving
Notes
These burgers are great for meal prep and can be frozen for future use.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg