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Oven Baked Cabbage Burger - A Simple, Juicy, Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the cabbage: 1 medium green cabbage (about 2–2.5 pounds), cored and sliced into 1-inch “steaks”
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds great flavor)
  • For the burger patties: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness) or ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (for binding; optional but helpful)
  • To finish: 4 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Swiss), optional
  • Your favorite burger sauce or mayo
  • Pickles, thinly sliced red onion, or shredded lettuce for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep the pan: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup.
  2. Slice the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage from top to core into 1-inch thick rounds. Keep the core intact to help the slices hold together.
  3. Season the cabbage: Lay slices on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub seasoning across both sides so it’s even.
  4. Start roasting: Bake the cabbage for 12 minutes to get a head start on softening and browning.
  5. Mix the patties: In a bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, Dijon, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and breadcrumbs or almond flour. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overwork it.
  6. Form the burgers: Shape into 4 patties, about 1/2–3/4 inch thick. Press a small dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
  7. Add patties to the pan: Pull the cabbage from the oven. Scoot slices to make space and place patties directly on the same pan. Return to the oven.
  8. Roast to doneness: Bake for 10–12 minutes more, until the burgers reach your preferred doneness. For beef, aim for an internal temp of 160°F (71°C) for well-done or 155°F (68°C) then rest to carry over. For turkey, cook to 165°F (74°C).
  9. Add cheese (optional): Top patties with cheese during the last 1–2 minutes to melt.
  10. Build and serve: Spoon a little sauce over a cabbage slice, set a burger on top, and finish with pickles and onion. Cap with another cabbage slice like a bun, or serve open-faced with extra roasted cabbage on the side.