Description
These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional burgers by replacing the bun with tender blanched cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful ground meat mixture. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, they make a nutritious and satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Burgers:
- 1 large head of cabbage, leaves separated and blanched
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves
- Pickles
- Mustard or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the separated cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until they become tender yet maintain firmness. Immediately transfer the leaves into ice water to halt the cooking process, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey/chicken), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, optional shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Burgers: Place a generous amount of the meat mixture at the base of each blanched cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly to form a burger shape. Repeat this process for all leaves and filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Position the cabbage burgers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unraveling during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the burgers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and avoid burning.
- Serve with Toppings: Add your choice of toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and condiments like mustard or mayonnaise for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves softens them and makes them pliable enough to wrap without breaking.
- Optional cheese adds extra moisture and flavor but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner protein choice.
- Make sure to dry the cabbage leaves well to prevent sogginess during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture.
