If you’re looking for a hearty, yet healthy dish that combines savory beef patties with the tender crunch of cabbage, this recipe is for you. In the image, we can see large beef meatballs being flattened over cabbage slices. This recipe is not only visually appealing but also offers a unique low-carb alternative to traditional bun-based burgers.
The cabbage acts as a base, roasting to perfection while absorbing the flavors of the seasoned beef. It’s an easy dish that requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Swap out the buns for cabbage, making this a great low-carb or keto-friendly option.
- Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and a few seasonings, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Great Flavor: The beef juices cook into the cabbage, giving the dish a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into thick slices (as seen in the image)
- 500g ground beef (about 1 lb)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding, use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Start by cutting the cabbage into thick slices, about 1-1.5 inches wide. These cabbage rounds will act as the base for your beef patties.
Pro Tip: Try to keep the cabbage slices intact so they don’t fall apart during baking. If needed, you can secure them with toothpicks.
Place the cabbage rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help the cabbage caramelize as it cooks.
2. Make the Beef Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs (if using), parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the beef tough.
Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Place each ball on top of the prepared cabbage slices.
3. Flatten the Patties
Using a burger press or the back of a flat spatula (like in the image), gently press down on the beef balls to flatten them into patties over the cabbage slices. The beef will cook down slightly, so aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Cook’s Note: Flattening the patties evenly ensures they cook through at the same rate as the cabbage underneath.
4. Bake the Patties and Cabbage
Spray the tops of the patties lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a bit more olive oil for extra browning. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and the cabbage is tender with crispy edges.
If you prefer a more charred finish, you can broil the patties for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve
Once the beef patties are cooked and the cabbage is tender, remove the tray from the oven. Let them rest for a minute before serving.
Serve the patties directly on top of the roasted cabbage rounds. You can garnish with more fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Cook’s Notes:
- Make It Keto: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely to keep this recipe keto-friendly. The egg will still act as a binder for the beef mixture.
- Add More Flavor: You can customize the seasonings in the beef mixture. Add some cumin, oregano, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Cabbage Texture: If you prefer softer cabbage, you can pre-cook the cabbage slices in the oven for 10 minutes before adding the beef patties on top. This will give you a softer base.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the fat content.
Q: What other vegetables can I use?
A: If you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can place the patties over thick slices of zucchini, eggplant, or even sweet potatoes.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked beef patties separately from the cabbage. When ready to cook, thaw the patties in the fridge overnight and follow the recipe as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage and Beef Patty recipe is a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional burgers. The combination of roasted cabbage and juicy, flavorful beef patties creates a meal that is satisfying, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for something different, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation
