Ingredients
— The Cabbage Base —
1 medium head green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
— The Burger Patties —
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
— The Toppings —
4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
4 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup or tomato sauce
Crispy cooked bacon (optional)
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. **Slice Cabbage:** Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Slice the cabbage into 4 to 5 thick rounds (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick). These are your ‘steaks’. Place them flat on the prepared baking sheet.
3. **Season Cabbage:** Brush both sides of the cabbage rounds with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. **First Roast:** Roast the cabbage in the oven for 20 minutes. This pre-cooks the cabbage so it becomes tender and caramelized by the time the meat is done.
5. **Prepare Meat:** While the cabbage roasts, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into flat patties slightly smaller than the width of your cabbage rounds.
6. **Assemble:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully spoon 1 tablespoon of ketchup (or tomato sauce) onto the center of each roasted cabbage slice. Place a beef patty on top of the sauce.
7. **Final Bake:** Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15–18 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
8. **Melt Cheese:** Top each burger patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Bake for 1–2 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. **Serve:** Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley or bacon, and serve hot.
Notes
**Cabbage Size:** Try to pick a small-to-medium head of cabbage. Large heads will make slices that are too big for a single burger portion.
**Water Content:** Cabbage releases water as it cooks. If you notice liquid pooling on the pan after the first roast, carefully blot it with a paper towel before adding the meat.
**Doneness:** If you prefer your cabbage very soft, roast it for 25-30 minutes in the first step. If you like it with a bit of ‘al dente’ crunch, stick to 15-20 minutes.
**Sauce:** You can swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce, marinara, or even a dollop of steak sauce depending on the flavor profile you want.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Keto