There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that’s warm, hearty, and layered with cheesy goodness. When you take the coziness of a classic casserole, combine it with the flavors of a burger, and wrap it all up in nutrient-rich cabbage, you end up with a recipe that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying: Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
This dish brings together tender roasted cabbage “buns,” juicy seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is naturally low in carbs and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, trying to cut back on bread, or just want a new twist on burger night, this recipe is a winner.
I first stumbled across the idea when experimenting with cabbage steaks. I loved how cabbage softens and sweetens in the oven while maintaining a little bite. One day, I topped a roasted round with leftover beef and cheese, and it was instantly reminiscent of a burger—but without the bun. That experiment has since evolved into one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners.
What Are Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are essentially layered cabbage cups or steaks topped with seasoned ground beef, marinara or tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The cabbage acts as a bun or base, soaking up the flavors of the meat and sauce. The dish is baked in the oven until the cabbage is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Think of it as a cross between a stuffed cabbage roll and a burger casserole, but without the fuss of rolling individual leaves. It’s rustic, easy, and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Low-carb burger alternative: Perfect if you’re avoiding bread.
- Easy one-pan meal: Minimal prep, bakes all together in the oven.
- Family-friendly: Familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and sauce—kids love it.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or switch up the protein.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine the savory flavor of a juicy cheeseburger, paired with the sweetness of roasted cabbage and the richness of marinara sauce. The ground beef is seasoned and hearty, the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the cabbage softens into a tender, flavorful base that ties it all together. Each bite is a balance of savory, cheesy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, with just enough texture to keep it satisfying.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s loaded with health benefits:
- Cabbage: High in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and carbs.
- Ground beef: Provides protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12. Use lean beef for a lighter option.
- Tomato sauce: A good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
- Cheese: Adds calcium, protein, and indulgent creaminess.
It’s a meal that nourishes while satisfying cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium green cabbage (cut into thick rounds or peeled into cups)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for lighter option)
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet or casserole dish
- Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)
- Skillet (for browning meat)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Swap marinara for salsa and add taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving for added richness.
- For spice lovers, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
How to Make
- Prepare the Cabbage: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice cabbage into thick 1-inch rounds or peel into cup-like layers. Arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Cabbage: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cabbage is tender but still holds shape.
- Cook the Beef: While cabbage roasts, heat a skillet with olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer 5 minutes.
- Assemble Burgers: Spoon beef mixture onto each cabbage round or cup. Top generously with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Return to oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot as a complete meal.
What to Serve With
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic roasted cauliflower or broccoli.
- Low-carb breadsticks or almond flour rolls.
- For non-low-carb eaters: roasted potatoes or rice.
Tips for Success
- Don’t slice cabbage too thin—it needs structure to hold the beef topping.
- Roast cabbage before topping to ensure it cooks through.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix cheese varieties for the best flavor and melt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking cabbage: It should be tender, not raw or overly crunchy.
- Skipping pre-roast: Raw cabbage won’t soften enough if topped immediately.
- Overloading with sauce: Too much marinara can make it watery.
- Using low-quality cheese: Freshly shredded melts much better.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until hot.
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—swap ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Does it taste like cabbage rolls?
Similar, but easier! No rolling, just layering.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but savoy or Napa cabbage also work.
Nutritional Info (per serving, 1 of 6 cabbage burgers)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a wholesome, low-carb twist on a classic comfort food. They’re hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, all while sneaking in a big serving of vegetables. This recipe proves that you don’t need bread to enjoy the satisfaction of a burger-style meal.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests, these cabbage burgers will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. So grab a head of cabbage, some ground beef, and cheese you’re just a bake away from your new favorite dinner.
Print
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers: A Hearty, Cheesy, Low-Carb Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy ground beef and marinara sauce layered over roasted cabbage and topped with melted cheese. A hearty, low-carb twist on a burger casserole.
Ingredients
1 medium cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup marinara sauce
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
½ cup cheddar cheese
Olive oil
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice cabbage into rounds or peel into cups. Roast 20 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in skillet. Add ground beef and seasonings. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Spoon beef onto roasted cabbage. Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
5. Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Slice cabbage thick enough to hold toppings.
Pre-roast to soften before adding beef.
Don’t overload with sauce to avoid sogginess.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: oven baked cabbage burgers, low carb burgers, keto burger recipe, stuffed cabbage casserole, cheesy ground beef cabbage
