Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning are a comforting, aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Juicy, well-seasoned burger patties are gently baked inside tender cabbage leaves, creating a balance of richness, warmth, and natural sweetness from the cabbage itself.
This recipe is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, family-style meals, or make-ahead lunches. Moreover, it offers a hearty yet balanced alternative to classic burgers, with layered flavors and a comforting oven-baked finish that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas.
Servings – Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
Servings: 4–6 servings
Perfect as a main course served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Time Required for Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Resting Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients for Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
Main Ingredients
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1 medium green cabbage (about 900 g), leaves separated
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600 g ground beef (or mixed beef and pork)
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1 small onion (100 g), finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg (60 g)
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60 g breadcrumbs
Savory Seasoning
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8 g fine sea salt
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4 g black pepper
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5 g paprika
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3 g dried oregano
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2 g dried thyme
Optional Topping
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80 g grated cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar)
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30 ml olive oil or melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
Step 1: Prepare the cabbage leaves
First, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil. Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until flexible. Then, remove and drain well. This step ensures the leaves wrap easily without tearing.
Step 2: Prepare the burger mixture
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined to keep the burgers tender.
Step 3: Shape the patties
Next, divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into compact burger patties. Keep them uniform to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Wrap with cabbage
Place each patty in the center of a cabbage leaf. Fold the leaf snugly around the meat, tucking in the sides to form a neat parcel. However, do not wrap too tightly, as the meat needs space to expand slightly while cooking.
Step 5: Arrange and season
Arrange the wrapped cabbage burgers seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish. Brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter to encourage gentle browning.
Step 6: Bake slowly
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the cabbage softens further and absorbs the savory juices from the meat.
Step 7: Finish and brown
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with grated cheese if using, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Finally, let the Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.
Variations of Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
With Poultry
Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version with a milder flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version
Replace meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs for a hearty plant-based option.
Creamy Tomato Finish
Moreover, bake the cabbage burgers in a light tomato sauce for extra moisture and comforting acidity.
Spiced Version
Additionally, add cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to introduce warmth and gentle heat.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
In winter, add grated carrot or parsnip to the meat mixture for sweetness; in summer, fresh herbs brighten the dish.
Tips for Perfect Results – Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning
Choose flexible cabbage leaves
Outer leaves are ideal, as they are larger and easier to wrap.
Avoid overmixing
However, mixing the meat too much can make the burgers dense. Combine just until ingredients come together.
Bake covered if needed
If the cabbage browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during baking.
Enhance aroma
In addition, brushing with butter or oil enhances both aroma and surface texture.
Storage advice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cabbage Burgers with Savory Seasoning are a comforting, flavorful dish that proves simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying results. With juicy meat, tender cabbage, and aromatic seasoning, this recipe delivers warmth and balance in every bite. Ideal for family meals or relaxed gatherings, it is a timeless oven-baked classic worth returning to again and again.
