# Cabbage Burgers Baked in the Oven | Simple & Delicious
**Meta Title:** Cabbage Burgers Baked in the Oven – Simple & Delicious
**Meta Description:** Discover how to make Cabbage Burgers baked in the oven. A simple, delicious recipe perfect for meal prep or a healthy family dinner!
Have you ever come home from a long day, craving something warm and comforting, yet healthy? Living in a busy world, it can sometimes feel impossible to find a meal that hits all those sweet spots: nutritious, easy to make, and utterly satisfying. That’s where these **Cabbage Burgers baked in the oven** come into play. Imagine savory beef nestled within tender cabbage leaves, lightly browned in the oven, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome. Let me take you on a flavorful journey to create the ultimate cabbage burgers that may just become your new family favorite!
## What are Cabbage Burgers?
Cabbage burgers, also known as cabbage rolls or “holodets,” are a delightful twist on the classic burger. Instead of using bread, we’ll use blanched cabbage leaves to wrap a seasoned mixture of ground meat—usually beef or pork—with spices and sometimes rice or vegetables added for extra flavor. The taste is a beautiful blend of savory and slightly sweet from the cabbage, with an earthy richness from the meat.
This dish has Eastern European roots, making it both hearty and comforting. The textures are a wonderful contrast: the outer layer of cabbage is soft yet slightly crisp from roasting, while the filling inside is juicy and packed with flavor. Not to mention, these cabbage burgers are incredibly versatile—you can customize them to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, making it a beloved dish in many households.
## Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Burger Recipe
– **Healthy and Wholesome:** Packed with nutrients from fresh cabbage and lean protein, this meal is both filling and good for you!
– **Quick Preparation:** These cabbage burgers can be prepped in under 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal fuss.
– **Family-Friendly Fallback:** Kids love the fun of holding and eating these hand-held delights, plus they’re an excellent way to sneak in vegetables.
– **Customizable Ingredients:** Feel free to swap in your favorite meats, spices, or even add cooked rice for additional texture.
– **Great for Meal Prep:** Make a large batch for the week, freeze leftovers, and simply reheat when needed.
– **Incredibly Tasty:** The combination of savory meat and tender cabbage creates a comforting dish that smells like home.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
For these **Cabbage Burgers**, gather the following ingredients:
– **1 large green cabbage**: You’ll want a sturdy head of cabbage; it should be firm to the touch.
– **1 lb ground beef or ground chicken/pork**: Choose lean meat for a healthier option, or go for higher fat content for extra richness.
– **1 cup cooked rice** (optional): Leftover rice works beautifully and adds bulk.
– **1 medium onion** (finely chopped): Sweetness from the onion balances beautifully with the meat.
– **2 cloves garlic** (minced): Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor that’s absolutely enchanting.
– **1 egg**: This helps bind the filling together.
– **1 teaspoon salt**: Brings all the flavors together.
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**: For a touch of warmth.
– **1 teaspoon paprika**: Adds a soft smokiness that is irresistible.
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
– **1 cup marinara sauce** (for drizzling on top): A simple tomato sauce enhances moisture and taste.
– **Fresh parsley** (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
### Customizations:
– Substitute **ground turkey or tofu** for a leaner protein or vegetarian option.
– Swap **marinara sauce** for **sour cream or yogurt** if you prefer a creamy topping.
– Add in **finely chopped carrots or mushrooms** for added nutrition and flavor.
## How to Make Cabbage Burgers
### Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage
1. **Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)**. This ensures your burgers will bake thoroughly, developing a lovely browned finish.
2. **Remove the core from the cabbage**. Carefully cut around the stem, and then gently peel off the outer leaves. Aim for about 10-12 good-sized leaves for wrapping.
3. **Blanch the leaves**. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and plunge the cabbage leaves in one at a time. Boil for about 2 minutes, just until they soften. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily bend them without cracking.
4. **Drain** and cool them under cold water. Lay them flat on a kitchen towel to dry and cool.
### Step 2: Make the Filling
5. **Sauté the onions and garlic**. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, throw in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent—around 3-4 minutes, and your kitchen will fill with that aromatic goodness.
6. **Combine the meat and seasonings**. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or protein of choice), cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
### Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Burgers
7. **Prepping the bakeware**. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. **Form the cabbage burgers**. Take one cabbage leaf, and place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base. Gently fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly, starting from the base. Place the rolled cabbage seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
### Step 4: Baking
9. **Top with marinara sauce**. Once your cabbage burgers are neatly arranged in the dish, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, making sure every burger has a good coat of sauce.
10. **Bake** in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll want to check that the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
11. **Drizzle with fresh parsley** just before serving to add a fresh zing. Dig in and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors in every bite!
## Expert Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Batch Cooking**: Make extra cabbage burgers and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them into the oven from frozen—cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
– If you find your **filling is too dry**, consider adding a splash of broth or some chopped tomatoes for moisture.
– Want to spice it up? Add **cayenne pepper or chili flakes** into the meat mixture for that kick.
– If desired, **wrap the burgers in foil** while baking for the first 20 minutes to lock in moisture and then uncover them for the last 10-15 minutes to brown.
– **Experiment with herbs!** Fresh dill or thyme can add fantastic flavors to your filling—a little goes a long way!
– **Make it gluten-free** by using gluten-free breadcrumbs, if needed, while mixing in with your meat.
## What to Serve With Cabbage Burgers
– **A side salad**: A simple cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with vinegar adds a refreshing crunch.
– **Mashed potatoes**: Creamy potato goodness pairs perfectly and complements the cabbage.
– **Steamed vegetables**: Carrots, broccoli, or green beans will offer a vibrant, healthy side dish bursting with color and flavor.
– **Homemade cole slaw**: A tangy slaw adds a crispy contrast, great for balancing the softer texture of the cabbage burgers.
## Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
– **Refrigerate** any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– They can **easily be frozen** for up to 3 months. After assembling but before baking, wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer-safe container.
– **Reheat** leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them individually for a quicker option, just make sure to cover them to retain moisture.
– For **meal prep**, these cabbage burgers are ideal! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for quick, nutritious meals.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I make these cabbage burgers vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meat with a plant-based alternative or use a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and other vegetables.
### How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
Adding spices like cumin, garlic powder, or herbs such as thyme can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
### Why did my cabbage leaves crack when rolling?
This might happen if the leaves are too cold or not blanched long enough. Make sure they are pliable before attempting to roll them.
### Can I use another type of vegetable as a wrap?
Absolutely! Large collard greens or even kale leaves make great alternatives if you prefer something different from cabbage.
### How do I know when the burgers are done?
The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef and pork, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken. The cabbage should be tender, with a beautiful golden color.
Now it’s your turn—grab your ingredients and create this magic in your kitchen tonight! I’d love to hear how you made your cabbage burgers unique, so don’t forget to tag me when you try it or leave a comment below! Happy cooking!
