A Creative Twist on Traditional Burgers
These innovative cabbage nest burgers offer a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional buns. The cabbage not only serves as a clever serving vessel but also infuses the meat with flavor as it bakes, creating a juicy, flavorful patty with built-in vegetables. Perfect for those following keto, paleo, or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a beef/pork mixture)
- 1 medium cabbage
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create cabbage nests:
- Cut the cabbage into thick slices, approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick
- Carefully remove the center portion of each slice, leaving the outer layers intact to form a nest or cup
- Place the prepared cabbage nests on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Make the meat mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or beef/pork mixture), diced onion, and minced garlic
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs
- Break the egg into the mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat
- Form and place patties:
- Shape the meat mixture into patties sized to fit the cabbage nests
- Place each patty on top of a cabbage nest
- Drizzle the meat and cabbage with olive oil
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the cabbage is tender
- For an extra touch, add cheese on top during the last 2-3 minutes of baking time if desired
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cabbage burger patty):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 380mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cabbage nest burgers
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Cabbage selection: Choose a firm cabbage with large leaves. Green cabbage works best, but savoy cabbage can also be used for a more delicate flavor.
- Even cooking: Try to make all patties approximately the same size and thickness for even cooking.
- Testing doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
- Preventing dryness: Don’t overcook the patties; they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Oil selection: While olive oil works well, you can also use avocado oil for its high smoke point.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a richer flavor, use a mixture of beef, pork, and veal.
- Cheese variations: Top with different cheeses during the last few minutes of baking – try Swiss, cheddar, blue cheese, or goat cheese.
- Herb enhancements: Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil to the meat mixture for brighter flavor.
- Spice adaptations: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin for a spicier version.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts processed to a ground meat consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these cabbage nest burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage nests and meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
How do I prevent the cabbage from burning?
If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil while the burgers finish cooking.
Can I freeze these cabbage nest burgers?
While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.
What can I serve with these cabbage nest burgers?
These pair well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a light vinaigrette slaw for a complete low-carb meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the cabbage soggy.
- Meal prep: These cabbage nest burgers work well for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.
