Name: Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package (8-count) hamburger buns or dinner rolls; 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, for brushing

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If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with just the right blend of comfort, crunch, and cheesy goodness, Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers will absolutely hit the spot. This Midwestern-inspired favorite wraps tender cabbage, savory beef, melty cheddar, and a pop of seasonings inside golden-baked buns. The result is a hand-held dinner that’s just as great for hurried weeknights as it is for game day. With satisfyingly simple prep and irresistible flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers is here for a reason, working together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Grab your staples and let’s break down what makes each one essential.

Ground beef: This forms the hearty, flavorful base of the filling; for a lighter twist, ground turkey works too.
Green cabbage (finely shredded): Cabbage cooks down to a sweet, mild crunch that lightens up the whole burger.
Onion (diced): Adds an aromatic depth and a hint of sweetness that marries perfectly with the beef.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves boost savory flavor and add a warm, welcoming aroma while cooking.
Worcestershire sauce: This is your secret weapon for umami richness and complex depth.
Salt: Essential for rounding out and elevating all the other flavors in the mix.
Black pepper: For a subtle, peppery kick that wakes up the savoriness without dominating it.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a lovely pop of color to both filling and presentation.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts together with the beef and cabbage, pulling everything together with gooey, tangy flavor.
Hamburger buns or dinner rolls (8-count): These will cradle your filling; choose soft but sturdy rolls for best results.
Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing): A light brush on top gives the finished buns their golden, irresistible crust.

How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the buns from sticking or over-browning on the bottom. Preparing your space now makes assembling Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers delightful and fuss-free.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. Don’t rush this part—a bit of rich, golden-brown color means deeper flavor. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat so your burgers won’t turn soggy.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

With the browned beef still in the pan, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and that lovely shredded cabbage. Cook this mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens up and the onions turn translucent. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll notice the filling start to come together.

Step 4: Season and Cheese It Up

It’s time to ramp up the flavor. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle over the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and let those spices wake everything up for a minute or two, then take the pan off the heat. Immediately mix in the shredded cheddar so it melts into creamy pockets throughout the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

If your buns or rolls aren’t already split, slice them in half now. Arrange all the bottoms in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the warm, cheesy cabbage-beef filling evenly over each bun base—don’t be afraid to be generous here! Then gently add the matching tops to seal in all the goodness.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

For that signature bakery shine and a hint of crisp, brush the tops of the buns lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden and the scent is utterly irresistible. Let them cool slightly, and dive in while warm!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Garnishes

Sometimes, a simple finish makes all the difference. Try a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top before serving for a burst of color. A dab of grainy mustard or a few crunchy pickle chips tucked inside can also elevate these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pairing matters! These burgers go beautifully with crispy roasted potatoes, classic potato chips, or a tangy coleslaw. For something lighter, a fresh cucumber salad or even a bowl of tomato soup can round out your meal and highlight the comforting flavors of Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Mini versions on slider buns turn Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers into party-ready appetizers. You can also serve them open-faced with extra cheese melted on top or slice each burger in half for a rustic, shareable platter at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste just as good when warmed up for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.

Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. Wrap each cooled burger snugly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. You can store them for up to 2 months—just remember to label and date the bag. These make for a super satisfying grab-and-go meal straight from your freezer.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers again, unwrap and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the buns are revived to their fresh-baked glory. You can also microwave for a couple of minutes if you’re in a rush, but the texture shines best from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic alternatives if you want to lighten things up. They pair beautifully with the cabbage and other flavors; just be sure to season well since leaner meats can be milder.

Do these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers get soggy?

They hold up surprisingly well! Because you pre-cook the filling and bake the assembled burgers, the cabbage mixture stays juicy but doesn’t soak through the buns. Using slightly sturdy rolls helps keep everything deliciously intact.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in with the cabbage and onion. Just be sure not to overfill the buns—it’s all about that perfect meat-to-veggie-to-bun ratio.

What’s the best cheese to use besides cheddar?

Creamy cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully with these flavors. You can even try a smoky gouda or a sprinkle of pepper jack for a little extra kick!

Can I make these Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance (just hold off on brushing the tops) and store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, brush, bake as usual, and they’ll taste freshly made.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a hearty, family-friendly meal that checks every box for ease, flavor, and pure comfort, you can’t go wrong with Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. This recipe just might surprise you with how quickly it becomes a go-to at your table. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and get ready to make some delicious new memories—one bite will have everyone asking for seconds!

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These oven-baked cabbage burgers are a delicious twist on traditional burgers, featuring a flavorful mix of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese stuffed inside soft buns. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Additional:

1 package (8-count) hamburger buns or dinner rolls
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, for brushing

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, and cabbage. Cook until cabbage is tender. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat and mix in cheese.
Prepare the buns: Slice the buns in half (if needed) and place the bottoms on the baking sheet.
Assemble the burgers: Spoon the beef-cabbage mixture over the bottoms. Cover with the top halves of the buns. Brush tops with olive oil or melted butter.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and heated through. Serve warm.