Dinner

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burger Recipe

ByNoah Steele October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

This Oven-Baked Cabbage Burger is a creative and delicious twist on the classic burger. Using thick cabbage rounds instead of buns makes it a lighter, low-carb option packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and fresh.

This close-up image shows a stacked burger with five visible layers on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crispy cooked cabbage, slightly charred at the edges. Above it are three thick, round green pickle slices. Next is a juicy, well-cooked beef patty with a rough texture. On top of the patty is a layer of melted, slightly bubbly white cheese with some black pepper flakes. The top layer is a shiny, golden-brown, crispy grilled cheese bun sprinkled with small green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large green cabbage (cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

1 lb ground beef (or plant-based substitute)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 small onion (finely chopped)
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

0.5 tsp salt (to taste)
0.25 tsp black pepper (to taste)
1 tomato (sliced)

1 avocado (sliced)
2 tbsp burger sauce or sriracha (as desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the cabbage into thick 1-inch rounds. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each round with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook thoroughly until browned.
Step 3: Spoon the beef mixture onto half of the cabbage slices, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Cover each with another cabbage slice to form a sandwich.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. Flip the cabbage burgers halfway through baking to ensure both sides become browned and crispy.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with sliced avocado, tomato, and your choice of burger sauce or sriracha.

Tips & Variations

Try using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles as a substitute for ground beef.
For extra flavor, mix herbs like thyme or smoked paprika into the beef mixture before cooking.

You can add other toppings such as pickles or caramelized onions for more variety.
Use mozzarella cheese for a milder taste or cheddar for a sharper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cabbage crispy. Avoid overheating to prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a burger with three main layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crispy, golden-brown grilled cabbage with slightly charred edges. On top of the cabbage are thick, green pickle slices. The middle layer is a juicy, browned beef patty covered with melted white cheese dotted with black pepper. Above the patty, more pickle slices are visible. The top layer is a glossy, caramelized, golden-brown piece of grilled cabbage sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute to keep the dish vegetarian while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, replacing traditional burger buns with cabbage rounds significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making this recipe suitable for low-carb diets.