What Are Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers?
Oven baked cabbage burgers are a low-carb, creative alternative to traditional burgers. Instead of sandwiching your patty between bread, these burgers rest on roasted cabbage “steaks”, offering a crispy, caramelized base that soaks up flavor beautifully.
These burgers have gained popularity in many culinary circles for their simplicity and unique texture. They’re often praised in low-carb cooking communities like MyKetoPlate and other innovative food blogs for their sheet-pan convenience and savory taste.
Cabbage provides a sturdy base with a slightly sweet, roasted bite that pairs perfectly with juicy beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
You’re not just making a burger, you’re crafting a layered, savory masterpiece that’s:
- Bun-free and creative
- Loaded with umami-rich flavors
- Quick to prep with minimal cleanup
- Ideal for sheet pan baking or meal prep
- Easy to adapt to a variety of flavor profiles
You can even experiment with different styles like BBQ, Mediterranean, or spicy chipotle. For more inspiration, check out this roasted cabbage burger recipe from The Curious Plate.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before diving in, let’s break down the essential elements that bring oven baked cabbage burgers to life:
Base: Cabbage Steaks
- Use green cabbage for the best balance of structure and flavor.
- Slice into thick, even rounds (about ¾ to 1 inch).
- Brush with olive oil and season generously.
Patty: Ground Beef
- Use 80/20 or 85/15 for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Mix with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Form medium-sized, slightly flattened patties.
Cheese
- Classic cheddar, American, or pepper jack melt beautifully.
- Add after initial baking to create a gooey, melty finish.
Seasonings
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried herbs like oregano or thyme
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sliced red onion
- Crispy bacon
Sauces
- Chipotle mayo
- Garlic aioli
- BBQ sauce
- Tzatziki (for Mediterranean flair)

Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure you have these on hand:
- Large baking sheet or sheet pan
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Spatula for flipping patties
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helps prevent overcooking)
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers
Here’s how to bring it all together for an epic burger night.
Step 1: Roast the Cabbage
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut cabbage into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle or brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patties
- While the cabbage roasts, mix ground beef with your preferred spices.
- Shape into patties about ½ inch thick.
- If using cheese, leave room for melting.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake Again
- Place one beef patty on each roasted cabbage slice.
- Bake for another 15 minutes, or until patties reach 160°F internal temperature.
- In the final 2–3 minutes, place a slice of cheese over each patty to melt.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Add sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or sliced tomatoes.
- Top with your favorite sauce.
- Serve open-faced or with an additional cabbage slice for a top “bun.”
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you’ve nailed the basics, get creative:
Spicy Southwest
- Add chipotle powder to the beef.
- Top with pepper jack cheese and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with chipotle mayo.
Mediterranean
- Use ground lamb or turkey.
- Top with feta cheese, cucumber slices, and tzatziki sauce.
Classic Onion Style
- Mix caramelized onions into the beef mixture.
- Top with more onions and cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions
Need ideas to complete the plate?
- Sweet potato fries
- Crunchy coleslaw
- Garlic dill pickles
- Cauliflower mash
- Lettuce wraps or cucumber salad
For a fancier touch, serve with sparkling water, kombucha, or a dry cider.
Make-Ahead Tips & Meal Prep
Oven baked cabbage burgers are perfect for weekly prep. Here’s how:
- Prep patties and cabbage slices ahead of time and refrigerate separately.
- Pre-roast cabbage steaks, then store in airtight containers.
- Freeze raw patties with parchment between layers.
- To reheat: Bake assembled burgers at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Don’t let small missteps ruin your dish. Here are fixes for the most common issues:
Cabbage too soft or mushy?
- Try slicing thicker rounds.
- Bake uncovered and avoid over-oiling.
Patties dry?
- Use beef with a higher fat ratio (80/20).
- Don’t overcook—check internal temp early.
Cheese not melting?
- Add during the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Tent with foil briefly if needed.
Lacks flavor?
- Boost seasoning in both cabbage and beef.
- Add a flavorful sauce or sharp cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you bake burgers on cabbage?
Yes! Roasted cabbage is sturdy and flavorful enough to hold a juicy burger patty without falling apart. Just make sure to slice thick rounds and roast until caramelized.
Can cabbage burgers be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep both the patties and the cabbage slices in advance. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use red cabbage instead?
Red cabbage works too, but it has a slightly firmer texture and a stronger flavor. Adjust your cooking time and season well.
How do I keep cabbage from getting soggy?
Make sure it’s dry before roasting and avoid over-crowding the pan. A hotter oven helps too!
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack all melt well. Use what fits your flavor theme.
Conclusion
Oven baked cabbage burgers are more than just a trend—they’re a bold, flavorful way to rethink how we serve burgers. With crispy roasted cabbage “steaks” acting as the base, these burgers deliver juicy, customizable flavor without the need for a traditional bun. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive meal prep options, they’re versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy. Give them a try, experiment with toppings, and you just might find yourself ditching the bread for good. Sheet pan burger bliss starts with a cabbage slice!
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5 Irresistible Reasons to Try Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers (Easy Sheet Pan Recipe)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 burgers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers are a flavorful fusion of stuffed cabbage rolls and juicy hamburger patties, all baked together into a savory, satisfying meal. Each burger is wrapped in a tender cabbage leaf, layered with seasoned beef, onion, and spices, and then baked in the oven until juicy and golden. They’re simple to prepare, hands-off once assembled, and perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals
Ingredients
For the cabbage wraps:
- 1 medium green cabbage
- Salt, for boiling water
For the burger filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, lamb, or plant-based meat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or cooked rice for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheddar, fresh herbs
For the topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully peel 8–10 large cabbage leaves. Blanch them for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon ~1/4 cup of meat mixture into the center and shape it into a patty. Fold the leaf around the filling like a parcel. Repeat with remaining filling and leaves.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the wrapped burgers seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Brush with olive oil or melted butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, or a dollop of mustard or ketchup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Homestyle Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage burger
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg