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Deliciously Healthy Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers You Have to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Oven Baked Cabbage Burgers. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers for a Southern touch)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but it adds a nice depth)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing before baking)

Substitution suggestions: If you want to keep it lighter, swap ground turkey or chicken for beef. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. For the breadcrumbs, gluten-free versions work well, or you can use crushed oats. And if you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can bring that Appalachian warmth right to your plate.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Start by prepping the cabbage: finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a food processor. Place the shredded cabbage in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key—too much water will make the burgers soggy.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, squeezed cabbage, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Using your hands (Mama Lu always said, “Get to know your food”), gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat; you want the burgers tender, not tough.
  5. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
  6. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to encourage browning and prevent drying out during baking.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are cooked through and golden on both sides. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety and juiciness.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, just like Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roasts, making every bite tender and flavorful.

Pro tip: If you want a little extra crust, pop the broiler on high for the last 2 minutes of baking—but watch closely so they don’t burn!