These roasted cabbage burgers are a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional burgers. Featuring oven-roasted cabbage slices as the buns, juicy pan-seared beef patties, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy sugar-free ketchup sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for a gluten-free, grain-free, and high-protein meal. Packed with flavor and simple to make, these low-carb burgers are a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
I’ve been making roasted cabbage steaks as a side dish for years, but turning them into a burger base? Total game changer. If you’re doing low carb, you know the struggle—sometimes you just miss the bun.
Sure, I’ve got an amazing keto buns recipe on the blog, but there are days when I just want to pack in more vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
And let me tell you—this works. Thick, golden-roasted cabbage rounds get a little crispy on the edges, making the perfect sturdy base for a juicy, pan-seared beef patty. Then comes the cheddar cheese, melted right onto the cabbage so it gets all gooey and delicious. A generous slather of ketchup, plus crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and finely chopped red onion? Absolute perfection.
Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Burgers
- Super easy – Roast the cabbage, cook the patties, and stack it up!
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – No bun needed, but still totally satisfying.
- Extra veggies – Because sometimes you want more than just meat and cheese.
What You Need
- Cabbage: The star of the show! Look for a small, firm head.
- Ground beef: Juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the roasted cabbage.
- Ketchup: I use a sugar-free version for that classic burger flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for the perfect bite.
- Toppings: Crispy bacon, tangy dill pickles, and finely chopped onion (trust me, don’t skip these).
How to Make It
- Roast the cabbage – Slice into thick rounds, season both sides, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp on the edges.
- Cook the burger patties – Season and sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- Melt the cheese – Place cheddar slices directly on the roasted cabbage, pop it back in the oven for 1-2 minutes until melty.
- Assemble – Top the “buns” with a juicy beef patty, and load up with your favorite toppings.
My Favorite Toppings – Get Creative!
You can keep it classic or go all out! Try:
- Burger sauce or mayo for extra creaminess
- Avocado slices for a fresh, buttery touch
- Mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha for a flavor boost
- Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth
Recipe Variations
This recipe is super customizable, so feel free to get creative with toppings and flavors.
- Make it spicy – Add a drizzle of sriracha, hot sauce, or spicy mayo for extra kick.
- Go creamy – Swap ketchup for guacamole or mashed avocado for a rich, creamy texture.
- Mushroom lovers – Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for an umami boost.
- Extra crunch – Add crispy bacon or fried shallots for more texture.
- Meatless option – Swap the beef patty for a grilled portobello mushroom, veggie burger, or grilled halloumi.
- Cheese choices – Try pepper jack, gouda, provolone, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
These roasted cabbage burgers bring all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun—and honestly, you won’t even miss it.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Roasted Cabbage Burgers
Description
Ingredients
- 1 small head of green cabbage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil for cooking
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
Instructions
- Roast the Cabbage: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds, drizzle with olive oil, and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cook the Burgers: Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties and season both sides. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Once the cabbage is roasted, place a slice of cheddar on each cabbage round and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Assemble: Top the cheesy cabbage "buns" with a burger patty. Add your favorite toppings—crumbled bacon, dill pickles, and finely chopped onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.