Introduction
Move over, burger buns — cabbage steak burger patties are here to change the way you think about comfort food. This delicious recipe transforms hearty green cabbage slices into the perfect base for juicy, cheesy beef patties, making it a gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly alternative to traditional burgers. The combination of roasted cabbage, well-seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce delivers all the flavors you love in a burger — without the bread.
Whether you’re cutting back on carbs, seeking more veggies in your diet, or simply looking for a creative dinner idea, these cabbage steak burgers are satisfying, customizable, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 1 head, cut into 1-inch slices |
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Tomato sauce or ketchup | ½ cup |
| Shredded cheese | ½ cup, divided (mozzarella or Monterey Jack) |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon (optional for heat) |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, grated |
| Green onion | ½ cup, chopped |
| Fresh parsley | ½ cup, chopped |
| Olive oil | As needed for brushing |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor
- Loaded with protein and fiber
- Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
- Flexible: add your own seasonings or sauces
- One sheet pan = easy cleanup!
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage “Steaks”
- Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices, removing the tough outer leaves first.
- Arrange the slices flat on the baking sheet.
- Brush each side with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the cabbage slices in the oven for 10 minutes to soften slightly. This step gives them a head start so they’re tender but not overcooked when combined with the beef.
💡 Tip: Be careful when slicing to keep each round intact for the best burger-like presentation.
Step 3: Make the Beef Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (reserve the other half for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper
Mix everything with clean hands until just combined. Divide into four equal portions, then shape into patties slightly smaller than your cabbage rounds.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Remove cabbage slices from the oven after 10 minutes.
- On each cabbage slice, spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce or ketchup.
- Sprinkle with a bit of cheese.
- Place a beef patty on top of each slice.
- Add another layer of shredded cheese over each patty.
🍅 Using tomato sauce instead of ketchup can keep the sugar content lower for a keto version.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Use a food thermometer if needed: internal temperature of 160ºF (71ºC) is ideal for beef.
Step 6: Serve
- Let rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
- Serve warm, optionally with:
- A side salad
- Cauliflower mash
- Roasted veggies
- Dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mustard
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip pre-roasting the cabbage — it ensures tenderness and prevents sogginess.
- Use mozzarella for a gooey cheese pull or Monterey Jack for a slight tang.
- Make them spicier with jalapeños or hot sauce mixed into the beef.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or grilled portobello caps.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked patties and cabbage separately for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, place on a baking sheet at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
🧠 Always calculate using your specific brands and ingredients if on a strict diet plan.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes, but note that red cabbage has a firmer texture and may take slightly longer to cook. It also has a more earthy, bold flavor.
Q2: Can I grill instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill the cabbage slices on a medium grill for 3–4 minutes per side, and grill the patties separately. Then stack them together off the heat with cheese on top to melt.
Q3: What other sauces work well with these?
Try:
- Pesto
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Mustard-honey drizzle
These add exciting flavors while keeping it low-carb.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives that melt well.
Q5: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
For a stovetop version:
- Sear cabbage slices in a pan with oil until golden and tender.
- Cook beef patties in another pan.
- Assemble and cover to melt cheese, or broil briefly in the oven.
Conclusion
Cabbage Steak Burger Patties are the definition of smart comfort food — easy to make, rich in flavor, and surprisingly satisfying. Whether you’re cutting carbs, avoiding gluten, or just looking for a creative dinner idea, this recipe gives you everything you love about burgers, wrapped in a wholesome twist.
Juicy, cheesy, herbed beef patties sitting atop roasted cabbage “steaks” — what’s not to love? Try them once, and you’ll keep coming back.