Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake — Easy Meals with Cabbage

Posted on January 26, 2026

Overhead of a crispy cabbage burger bake: golden-roasted cabbage slices layered with seared patties and melted cheese — a tasty example of Meals With Cabbage and Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.

Meals With Cabbage get a major upgrade here: think juicy patties roasted on thick cabbage rounds for crunch, color, and fewer carbs. They bake in one pan, come together fast, and satisfy like your favorite burger — without the bun drama.

Quick intro — what this is

This recipe swaps regular buns for cabbage slices and bakes everything on a sheet pan. You end up with roasted, slightly charred cabbage that stays crunchy at the edges and a seasoned burger patty perched on top. It’s simple, adaptable, and perfect for weeknights when you want flavor fast.

Why you’ll love it

  • It’s a smart Health Cabbage Recipes swap that keeps dinner lighter.
  • The cabbage adds texture and keeps each bite interesting.
  • You can use beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based mix — total crowd-pleaser.
  • It’s low-effort but feels elevated; great for feeding picky eaters and hungry adults alike.

The inspiration behind these cabbage burgers

One night I watched my kid demolish a burger and thought, “We can keep the joy and lose the bulk.” That led to experimenting with cabbage as a base. Turns out, roast it right and it’s an awesome stand-in for buns — way less sog, more crunch. And yes, everyone loved it.

Ingredient rundown — short blurbs

For the cabbage: pick a small, firm head so slices hold together. Brush with olive oil so they crisp and caramelize.

For the patties: use your favorite ground meat — beef for richness, turkey for leaner eats, or plant-based for a vegetarian switch. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. An egg helps bind, but you can skip it.

Optional toppings: cheese (melt under the broiler), fresh herbs, pickles, or a creamy sauce.

This recipe sits nicely among Recipes Using Cabbage Dinners and inspires other Cabbage Meal Ideas.

How to make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers — step-by-step

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Slice the cabbage. Cut a small head into ½-inch thick rounds. Remove core if needed so slices sit flat.
  3. Oil the rounds. Brush both sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange on the sheet.
  4. Mix the meat. In a bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and an egg if using. Mix gently—don’t overwork.
  5. Form patties. Shape patties to match the cabbage rounds. Place each patty on a cabbage slice.
  6. Bake. Roast in the oven for about 20–25 minutes, until the patties reach 160°F (71°C) and the cabbage edges brown.
  7. Finish with cheese (optional). Sprinkle cheese on each patty and broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly. Watch closely.
  8. Serve. Slide the cabbage-patty towers onto plates, add sauce or herbs, and dig in.

This method fits perfectly into Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy and also counts as High Protein Hamburger Meals when you use beef or another high-protein option.

Pro tips for perfect results

  • Use small cabbage heads for consistent round sizes.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan — give burgers space to brown.
  • Freeze extras raw on a tray first, then bag them for later — bake straight from frozen (add a few minutes).
  • Check internal temp for safety: 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or turkey.
  • Broil briefly for melty cheese, but stay nearby — it browns fast.

Bold tip: oil the cabbage generously — that’s what creates crisp, tasty edges.

Overhead of a crispy cabbage burger bake: golden-roasted cabbage slices layered with seared patties and melted cheese — a tasty example of Meals With Cabbage and Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.Pin

Variations to try (mix it up)

  • Turkey or chicken for lean Recipes With Cabbage Healthy swaps.
  • Lentil or mashed bean burgers for a vegetarian take — great for Cabbage Meal Ideas that skip meat.
  • Spice it: toss in chili flakes or jalapeño for heat.
  • Herb mix: parsley, basil, or cilantro for fresh lift.
  • Stuffed-style: press a little cheese into the center of each patty for oozy surprises — a riff on Stuffed Cabbage Cups but easier.

These tweaks make the recipe a flexible template for Burger Patty Meal Ideas and broader Cabbage Meal Ideas.

What to serve with them

Pair these with crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a quinoa salad. Want a creamy dip? Try avocado-yogurt sauce or sriracha mayo. These sides echo the crunchy, fresh spirit of Meals With Cabbage and round out the plate nicely.

Make-ahead and meal prep

  • Mix the patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
  • Slice and oil cabbage up to 3 days in advance.
  • For freezer meals: assemble on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen and add 5–7 minutes to cook time.

Storage & reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to revive the cabbage crunch. Microwaving makes the cabbage limp — oven is best.

Overhead of a crispy cabbage burger bake: golden-roasted cabbage slices layered with seared patties and melted cheese — a tasty example of Meals With Cabbage and Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.Pin

FAQs

Can I make these meatless?

Absolutely — mashed beans, lentils, or a veggie burger mix work great. They plug right into Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.

What if my cabbage slices fall apart?

Stack two thinner slices, or choose a firmer head next time. Core removal and even thickness help a lot.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yep. They’re customizable and fun to eat — a sneaky way to add veg to the plate.

Can I grill them instead?

Sure. Grill cabbage slices first, then add pre-shaped patties to the grill to finish.

Final thoughts wrap-up

If you’re hunting for inventive Recipes Using Cabbage Dinners, this Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers recipe delivers. It’s quick, flexible, and a healthy spin on a classic. Try it for weeknight dinners, batch-cook for lunches, or bring it to a casual potluck. Who knew cabbage could be this game-changing?

FYI: If you double the patties and serve with a big salad, you’ve got a feast. IMO, these are a top pick for easy, satisfying dinners that actually feel special.

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Overhead of a crispy cabbage burger bake: golden-roasted cabbage slices layered with seared patties and melted cheese — a tasty example of Meals With Cabbage and Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.Pin

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Overhead of a crispy cabbage burger bake: golden-roasted cabbage slices layered with seared patties and melted cheese — a tasty example of Meals With Cabbage and Cabbage Burgers Recipes Easy.

Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake — Easy Meals with Cabbage

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Broiling Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

These Meals With Cabbage swaps turn a regular burger night into a lighter, crunchy delight — patties roasted right on thick cabbage slices for a low-carb, no-bun dinner the whole family will actually enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

For the cabbage rounds

  • 1 small head cabbage, cut into ½-inch thick rounds (core removed if needed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing

For the patties

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based mix)
  • 1 small onion, finely minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or tamari for GF)
  • 1 large egg (optional, for binding)

Optional finishing

  • 1 cup shredded cheese to melt on top
  • Fresh parsley or sliced pickles, for serving


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Trim the cabbage into thick slices and brush both sides with olive oil. Arrange them on the prepared sheet.
  3. In a large bowl combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire, and egg (if using). Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into patties that match the size of the cabbage rounds and set each patty on a cabbage slice.
  5. Roast in the oven about 20–25 minutes, until patties reach 160°F (71°C) and cabbage edges brown.
  6. If you want melted cheese, sprinkle it over the patties and switch to broil for 2–3 minutes — watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  7. Remove, garnish as desired, and serve hot with your favorite sauces.

Bold tip: Give each burger space on the pan so they brown instead of steam.


Notes

  • Quick swaps & variations
    • Leaner? Use ground turkey or chicken for Recipes With Cabbage Healthy options.
    • Vegetarian? Try mashed beans, lentils, or a store-bought meatless mix — works great for Cabbage Meal Ideas.
    • Want more protein? Double the meat or add a fried egg on top for High Protein Hamburger Meals.
    • Turn them into mini bites using a muffin tin — a clever Burger Patty Meal Ideas hack.
    • Love stuffed flavors? Press a cube of cheese into each patty for a gooey center, a riff on Stuffed Cabbage Cups.
  • Make-ahead & storage
    • Prep the patties a day ahead and refrigerate covered.
    • Slice and oil cabbage up to 48 hours in advance.
    • Freeze assembled uncooked burgers on a tray until solid, then bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to revive the crunch.
  • Expert tips
    • Use firm, small heads of cabbage for uniform rounds.
    • Don’t overmix the meat — gentle handling keeps patties tender.
    • Check internal temp (160°F / 71°C) for safety with ground proteins.
    • For better browning, finish under the broiler for one to two minutes, but stay nearby.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1burger
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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