Cheesy Crispy Cabbage & Beef Burger Bake: Weeknight Winner!
Craving burger night but short on time? This Cheesy Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake is the answer! Imagine all the delicious flavors of a juicy beef burger – savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and that essential cheesy goodness – all baked into one comforting and easy-to-make dish. Forget the buns and embrace this healthier, veggie-packed alternative that’s ready in under 40 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake
This isn’t your average casserole. This crispy cabbage burger bake offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:
- Burger Bliss, Minus the Bun: All the classic burger flavors without the extra carbs.
- Vegetable Powerhouse: A generous serving of cabbage adds a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time and a straightforward baking process make this perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love the familiar burger flavors and cheesy topping.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some helpful substitution ideas:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (85/15) for the best flavor and texture. Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the savory flavor. Feel free to use shallots or garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the beef mixture. Regular paprika works as well.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use red cabbage for a more colorful dish. Make sure to shred it finely.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates a creamy and comforting sauce. You can substitute with cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work, including dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy milk.
- Ketchup & Mustard: These add the quintessential burger tang. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt, but you can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
- Olive Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, will work.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the flavor of the ground beef.
How to Make Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious crispy cabbage burger bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and cabbage mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your crispy cabbage burger bake turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: You want it to be slightly softened but still have some texture.
- Drain the Grease: Removing excess grease from the beef will prevent the bake from being too oily.
- Use a Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this dish, so choose one that melts well and has a good flavor.
- Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy cabbage burger bake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Burger Toppings: Top with your favorite burger fixings like diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing contrast. For something a bit more hearty, check out this Mediterranean Baked Fish for inspiration.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, or broccoli would be a great complement to this bake.
- French Fries: For the ultimate burger experience, serve with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings. For an interesting twist, check out this Garlicky Cabbage Detox Soup for a surprising flavor pairing with the bake here.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover crispy cabbage burger bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I freeze this bake? Yes, you can freeze this bake. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese just before baking.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Where can I find another simple recipe similar to this one? Try this No-Bake Blueberry Peanut Butter Chew recipe for a sweet and easy treat! You can find the recipe here.
This Cheesy Crispy Cabbage & Beef Burger Bake is a delicious and easy way to enjoy burger flavors without the bun. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight!
Cheesy Crispy Cabbage & Beef Burger Bake: Weeknight Winner!
This cheesy crispy cabbage and beef burger bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight! Imagine juicy seasoned ground beef layered with tender cabbage, smothered in a creamy, savory sauce, and topped with crispy, golden-brown cheddar cheese. It’s a delicious and surprisingly easy way to enjoy burger flavors without the bun. Ready in under 40 minutes, this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables. Customize it with your favorite burger toppings for a truly personalized meal that everyone will love. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and cabbage mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Top with your favorite burger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or lettuce after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg