Growing up, I have so many fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, especially when she would make her famous Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. The comforting aroma of the cabbage and beef sizzling in the oven would fill the whole house, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in. There was something so satisfying about biting into those crispy, golden-brown patties, with the savory filling oozing out. It was the perfect blend of flavors and textures that always hit the spot.
Grandma would let me help her prepare the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers, and I loved being a part of the process. I’d carefully mix the ground beef, shredded cabbage, and seasonings, then watch as she expertly formed the mixture into perfectly shaped patties. The way she’d gently place them on the baking sheet and slide them into the oven was like an art form. And the anticipation of waiting for them to bake to perfection was almost too much to bear!
Once those Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers emerged from the oven, golden-brown and sizzling, it was time for the best part – diving in. I’d slather on a generous helping of my grandma’s homemade ketchup and relish, then savor every bite, the flavors exploding in my mouth. It was pure comfort food at its finest, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried on to this day.
Why This Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
The secret to making these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers truly irresistible lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy ground beef, tender shredded cabbage, and a blend of savory spices creates a filling that’s both satisfying and full of depth. But the real magic happens in the oven, where the patties transform into crispy, golden-brown masterpieces with a delightful crunch on the outside and a moist, flavorful interior.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Shredded cabbage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Instructions
Preparing Your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a breeze to make, and the total prep and cooking time is just about an hour. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cabbage, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
2- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3- Divide the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers mixture into 8 equal portions and gently shape them into patties, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4- Place the formed patties on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one.
5- Brush the tops of the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers lightly with olive oil to help them achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust.
6- Bake the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re cooked through and the outsides are crispy and delicious.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is to not overmix the filling, as this can result in a dense and dry texture. Gently incorporating the ingredients will ensure your patties are tender and juicy.
Additionally, be sure to use a light hand when forming the patties – you want them to hold their shape but not be compacted too tightly. And don’t forget to brush them with a little olive oil before baking to help that irresistible crust develop.
Serving and Storing Your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Perfect Pairings for Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are the ultimate comfort food, and they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or a creamy coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. And don’t forget to top them with your favorite condiments, like ketchup, mustard, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
You can also make the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers patties ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just form the patties, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake the frozen patties as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Creative Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Variations
The great thing about Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is that they’re endlessly customizable. Try adding grated carrots, diced bell peppers, or even chopped spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings, like Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or even a touch of curry powder.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. The shredded cabbage and binding ingredients will still create a delicious and satisfying patty.
Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Diet-Friendly
To make these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers more diet-friendly, you can use lean ground beef or turkey, and swap the breadcrumbs for oat bran or almond flour. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. And for a low-carb version, skip the bun and serve the patties on a bed of greens or cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage in the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?
A: Absolutely! While traditional green cabbage works great, you can experiment with other varieties like red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or even napa cabbage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as some types of cabbage may have a different texture and water content.
Q: How do I get the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers to hold their shape?
A: The key is to not overmix the filling and to be gentle when forming the patties. Gently incorporating the ingredients and using a light touch when shaping the burgers will help them hold their shape during baking.
Q: Can I prepare the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers in advance?
A: Yes, these burgers are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the patties ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Q: How do I know when the Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are done?
A: The Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are done when they’re golden-brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy a healthy twist on classic burgers with these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this quick and easy weeknight meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cabbage, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. Form the mixture into 6-8 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. 4. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
5. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. 6. Top each burger with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. 7. Serve the oven-baked cabbage burgers immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a crispier texture, you can broil the burgers for 1-2 minutes after baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their savory, tender filling and crispy, golden-brown exterior, these burgers are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make. I hope this recipe brings back memories of your own family’s favorite dishes and inspires you to create new traditions in the kitchen. Be sure to let me know how your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers turn out!
