Baked Cabbage Nest Burgers

Discover a delicious twist on traditional burgers with Baked Cabbage Nest Burgers! This innovative recipe uses cabbage as a nutritious wrap, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Packed with vitamins and fiber, these low-carb, gluten-free burgers cater to various dietary preferences. Enjoy a hearty dish that promotes a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Try this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your cooking game!

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Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage

1 pound ground beef (or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg (or a flaxseed egg for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)

Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish

Optional: Sliced tomatoes, avocado, and any preferred condiments for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

Carefully remove 8-10 large outer leaves from the cabbage. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Remove them and place in a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain and set aside.

Make the Burger Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Form the Patties:

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties—about 4-5 patties total depending on your desired size.

Assemble the Cabbage Nests:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a greased muffin tin or on a baking sheet, take a blanched cabbage leaf and place it in each cup. Press it into the shape of a nest. Repeat until all leaves are used.

Fill with Patties:

Place one patty inside each cabbage nest and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Bake:

Place the muffin tin or baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through (160°F internal temperature for beef). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Allow the nests to cool slightly before gently removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and any additional toppings you enjoy, such as sliced tomatoes or avocado.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings