Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Let me introduce you to something that’s going to rock your world—Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers! Imagine this: savory ground beef (or whatever protein you prefer) wrapped in tender cabbage, baked to perfection, and topped with all your favorite burger fixings. It’s a twist on your typical burger, but one that’s lighter, healthier, and just as delicious. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

These burgers are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a burger without the usual carb overload. The cabbage acts as a crunchy, slightly sweet wrap that keeps everything together while adding a refreshing texture to every bite. Whether you’re cutting back on carbs or just want to try something new, these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Let me tell you exactly why these burgers are so special:

A Healthier Burger Option

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a great low-carb alternative to your classic burger, but they still have all the flavor and satisfaction you crave. The cabbage wrap gives you that hearty burger feel without the bun, making it perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.

Full of Flavor

Don’t be fooled by the healthy twist—these burgers are packed with flavor! The savory filling gets infused with spices, while the cabbage becomes beautifully tender, giving you a savory bite that’s crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Easy to Make

These burgers are so simple to put together, with minimal prep time. You won’t be standing over the stove flipping patties for hours; just stuff, wrap, and bake, and you’ve got yourself a mouthwatering meal!

Customizable to Your Tastes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ground meat or vegetarian option. Want to spice things up? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling. Want a milder flavor? Go with a bit of garlic and fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless!

Great for Meal Prep

These burgers hold up really well, so they’re perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and store them in the fridge for a few days. Reheat them for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious burgers:

For the Filling:

• Ground beef: You can use lean ground beef or go for turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative like lentils or black beans.
• Onion: Adds a savory sweetness and extra moisture to the filling.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory note that makes the filling even more delicious.
• Spices: A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. Adjust the seasoning to your taste!
• Egg: Helps bind everything together so the filling stays in place when you wrap it up.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture to the filling and helps hold it together.

For the Cabbage Wrap:

• Cabbage leaves: Large cabbage leaves work best for wrapping the filling. Make sure they’re big enough to fully enclose the burger mixture.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these flavorful, oven-baked cabbage-wrapped burgers? Here’s how you do it:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your burgers are ready to bake!

Prepare the Cabbage

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, then carefully peel off large, intact leaves. Trim the thick vein from each leaf to make them easier to fold. You can blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to make them more pliable if needed. Set the leaves aside to cool.

Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or other protein) with finely chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and your spices. Mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your burgers may turn out tough!

Form the Burger Patties

Take a cabbage leaf and spoon some of the filling onto the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf, then carefully roll it up like a burrito, making sure the filling stays inside. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Bake the Burgers

Place the cabbage-wrapped burgers seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked through. You can lightly brush the cabbage with olive oil before baking for a crispier texture, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, let the burgers cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as-is or top them with your favorite burger toppings—cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or a drizzle of creamy mayo.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 65mg
  Sodium: 300mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 24g
  Vitamin D: 1mcg
  Calcium: 50mg
  Iron: 3mg
  Potassium: 600mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

These cabbage burgers are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of sides to complete the meal:

Fresh Salad

A light, refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the savory richness of the cabbage burgers. Try a simple arugula salad or a classic mixed green salad.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve your burgers with roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

Sautéed Greens

Pair the burgers with sautéed spinach or kale for a bit of healthy, flavorful greens.

Low-Carb Fries

If you’re craving a bit of crunch, make some low-carb fries with zucchini or eggplant slices. They’ll complement the cabbage wraps perfectly!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers turn out perfectly:

Blanch the Cabbage Leaves

If your cabbage leaves are a bit tough, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This softens them and makes them easier to wrap around the filling without cracking.

Add Cheese

If you want to make these burgers extra cheesy, add a slice of your favorite cheese (like cheddar or Swiss) on top of the filling before wrapping. It will melt into the filling as it bakes!

Spice It Up

Add a little kick to the filling by tossing in some hot sauce or chili flakes. It’s a great way to give the burgers an extra layer of flavor.

Make It Vegetarian

You can easily make these burgers vegetarian by using lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu in place of meat.

Double the Recipe

These burgers freeze really well! Make a double batch and freeze the extras for a quick, easy meal later on. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different protein for the filling?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or black beans for a meat-free alternative.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm through.

Q3: Can I freeze these burgers?
A3: Yes! These burgers freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Q4: How can I make these burgers spicier?
A4: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick. You can also top the burgers with spicy mustard or jalapeños.

Q5: Can I use a different vegetable for the wrap?
A5: While cabbage works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other leafy greens like collard greens or Swiss chard. Just make sure they’re big enough to wrap around the filling.

Q6: Can I bake these without parchment paper?
A6: Yes! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a non-stick baking sheet or lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil.

Q7: Can I prepare these in advance?
A7: Absolutely! You can assemble the cabbage burgers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q8: What can I use as a binder instead of breadcrumbs?
A8: You can use crushed gluten-free crackers, oats, or even almond flour to bind the filling together if you need a gluten-free option.

Q9: How do I make sure the cabbage doesn’t fall apart?
A9: Blanching the cabbage leaves before using them helps make them more pliable and less likely to tear during wrapping. Just be gentle when rolling them.

Q10: Can I make these burgers on the stove instead of baking?
A10: Yes, you can cook them on the stove! Just sear the cabbage-wrapped burgers in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a fresh, healthy, and super flavorful take on the classic burger. They’re packed with protein, light on carbs, and full of savory goodness. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just looking for something new, these cabbage burgers are a must-try!

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