Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 35–40 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Burgers:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and wash it thoroughly. Cut the cabbage into thick, round slices, approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a lightly greased baking dish, keeping them as intact as possible. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 7–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix everything well so the beef absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir until smooth. Pour a little sauce over the cabbage slices and reserve the remaining sauce for the beef topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Burgers
Spoon generous portions of the seasoned ground beef onto each cabbage slice. Spread the beef evenly over the center of each slice, leaving a little cabbage visible around the edges.
Add a spoonful of the remaining tomato sauce over the beef. This helps keep the filling juicy while baking.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over each cabbage burger. Make sure the cheese covers the beef filling for a delicious, golden, melted topping.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the beef is hot, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cabbage slices. Check that the cabbage is fork-tender before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a few chili flakes over the top for extra color and flavor.
Serve these delicious cabbage burgers warm with your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Burgers
- Choose a large, firm cabbage so the slices hold their shape.
- Cut the cabbage into evenly thick rounds for consistent cooking.
- Brown the beef before baking to develop a richer flavor.
- Use mozzarella for stretchiness and cheddar for extra flavor.
- Cover the dish during the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite vegetables to the beef mixture.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. You can also freeze fully cooked portions for up to 2 months, although the cabbage may become softer after thawing.
Final Thoughts
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are cheesy, juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With tender cabbage, perfectly seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and bubbly melted cheese, every bite is full of comforting goodness. Best of all, everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup simple and easy.
