This delicious Cabbage Burgers recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes to perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the filling ingredients to suit your tastes or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. It’s the type of dish that makes weeknights so much easier and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Let’s Dive into the Ingredients!
Here’s What You’ll Need:
1 large head of cabbage : Cabbage is the star of this recipe, giving these burgers their delightful wrapping! When you boil the cabbage leaves, they become pliable and easy to roll. You can also swap in kale or collard greens for a twist!
1 pound ground beef or turkey : This hearty protein is going to give you the best flavor and texture for your cabbage burgers. If you’re aiming for something lighter, turkey or even lentils could work well!
1 onion, diced : Onions are magical, they transform when sautéed, adding so much flavor. I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness, but red or even green onions can work in this recipe.
2 cloves garlic, minced : Because everything’s better with garlic, right? Garlic adds loads of aroma and depth to the dish. If you’re really into garlic (like me!), feel free to up it to three cloves!
1 cup cooked rice or quinoa : This helps bind everything and gives a nice texture! You can use brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa. Just make sure it’s cooked beforehand. Preferably use up what’s already sitting in your fridge!
1 egg : This will help bind all the ingredients together into one cohesive filling. You can also substitute flaxseed if you’re looking for a vegan option!
1 teaspoon salt : A couple pinches of salt elevate the flavors. Remember, you can always adjust to your taste!
1 teaspoon pepper : Freshly ground pepper gives this dish some subtle heat. But if you’re planning to play with spices, feel free to amp it up a bit!
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional) : Soy sauce adds a delicious umami flavor that can really enhance the filling. Not a fan? You can skip this without a problem!
1 tablespoon olive oil for baking : This helps keep the cabbage rolls moist and ensures they don’t stick to the baking dish.
Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Make These Delicious Cabbage Burgers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). The smell of dinner cooking? That’s the good stuff!
Prepare the cabbage leaves: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch those bad boys in boiling water for about 2 minutes until they’re pliable. We want them tender enough to roll up! Drain and set aside and you’ll notice that they’ll become a bit brighter too!
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. You’re looking for that delightful, sweet-savoriness, like a hug from your kitchen!
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, cooked rice or quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, a teaspoon of salt, pepper, and the optional soy sauce if you’re using it. Mix until well combined. The mixture should smell so inviting you might find yourself sneaking bites as you go!
Prepare the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center, fold over the sides, and roll it up tightly. This is where it gets fun, and don’t worry if the first few don’t look perfect!
Assemble in a dish: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour a touch of olive oil or a bit of reserved broth over them for added moisture.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. The smell wafting through your house? Heaven.
Serve warm and enjoy your healthy cabbage burgers! They’ll look beautiful in their little cabbage wraps, and I promise your family will rave about them.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe truly comes together in just 30 minutes, which means you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending your whole evening in the kitchen. And who doesn’t appreciate that?
Budget-Friendly
Using everyday ingredients, believe me, you can make these cabbage burgers without breaking the bank. It’s a perfect dish to raise your “frugal cook” status!
Customizable
The best part is that you can tweak these burgers to your heart’s content. Have broccoli or shredded carrots sitting in your fridge? Toss them into the filling! Maybe you prefer using spicy sausage or leftover roasted chicken? The options are endless!
Comfort Food
Let’s be honest; this recipe is pure comfort food. Between the tender cabbage and savory filling, it feels like a hug from mom, not to mention the fact that it’s loaded with tons of flavor!
My Personal Connection
This is my go-to recipe when I need something that feels warm and comforting but doesn’t require too much effort. You can whip it up on those evenings when you’ve had a long day and just want deliciousness without the fuss. I’m a real sucker for versatile meals, and this recipe delivers that every time. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste just as amazing the next day!
Oh! And the excitement I feel when I see my kids devour these cabbage burgers? Priceless. You know you have a winner when your picky eight-year-old asks for seconds!
If you loved this cabbage burger recipe, be sure to check out my Hamburger Supreme Casserole, my Easy Crack Burgers, or my Amish Hamburger Steak Bake! Each is perfect for busy weeknights just like this recipe.
How to Serve Cabbage Burgers
I’ve found these cabbage burgers pair well with…
- A simple green salad : Something fresh to balance the savory flavors!
- Steamed veggies : Try broccoli or green beans to add a pop of color and health!
- Your favorite dipping sauce : Soy sauce or a tangy ranch dressing works wonders!
Storage and Reheating
These cabbage burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
And the best part? Yes, these cabbage burgers freeze beautifully! Just assemble and bake as directed. Allow to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage burgers are not just an easy dish; they’re a perfect meal prep game-changer and absolutely your go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Honestly, I’ve made this recipe so many times and it never fails to deliver comfort, flavor, and family happiness.
Remember to have fun with it and get creative! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how your own variations will become a part of your family’s favorites, too. Happy cooking, y’all!
Now get your apron on and gather those ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your weekly meal rotation! Enjoy and let me know how it goes! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Cabbage Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, cooked rice or quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center, fold over the sides, and roll it up tightly.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour olive oil or reserved broth over them for added moisture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy your healthy cabbage burgers!