Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a hearty, low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, combining thick roasted cabbage steaks with savory seasoned ground beef and plenty of melted cheese. Instead of a bun, caramelized cabbage creates a tender yet sturdy base that holds all that juicy, cheesy goodness.
Roasting the cabbage before adding the toppings is the key to getting the best texture. High oven heat caramelizes the edges and brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness while keeping the center tender enough to cut easily with a fork. Leaving the core intact also helps each round stay together.
The beef topping is packed with flavor from sautéed onion, fresh garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Once spooned over the roasted cabbage, it’s covered generously with mozzarella or Monterey Jack and returned to the oven until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
These cabbage burgers make an easy weeknight dinner that’s satisfying on its own but also pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy dipping sauce. Serve them straight from the oven for the best combination of caramelized cabbage, juicy beef, and gooey cheese.
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided as needed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for the cabbage
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the cabbage
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
