Hearty Baked Cabbage and Meat Patties
Description:
This Hearty Baked Cabbage and Meat Patties recipe brings together the best of comfort and nutrition — tender shredded cabbage mixed with seasoned ground meat, shaped into patties, and baked until golden brown and juicy. It’s a wholesome, budget-friendly dish with a rustic charm that feels like something straight from grandma’s kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful balance of earthy cabbage sweetness and savory meat flavor — perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Patties:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
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2 cups finely shredded cabbage
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs (or cooked rice for a gluten-free option)
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1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Baking:
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1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Sauce (for serving):
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½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
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1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tsp vinegar
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, shredded cabbage, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully combined. -
Shape Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions and shape into thick patties (about ½–¾ inch thick). -
Arrange & Brush:
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter. -
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). -
Optional Sauce:
While patties bake, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar in a small pan. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve drizzled over hot patties.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 6–8 patties (serves 4 people)
💡 Notes & Tips
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For extra tenderness, briefly sauté the cabbage before mixing it in.
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Use a mix of pork and beef for richer flavor.
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Make mini versions for sliders or lunchboxes.
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Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer.
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To freeze: shape raw patties, freeze flat, and bake from frozen when ready.
🧘♀️ Health Benefits
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Cabbage: High in fiber and antioxidants, promotes gut and heart health.
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Lean Protein: Supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
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Baked, Not Fried: Less oil, fewer calories, but still hearty and flavorful.
🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 patties)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 25 g
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Fat: 16 g
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Carbohydrates: 10 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 420 mg
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great — just reduce baking time by 5 minutes to prevent dryness.
Q2: What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a light cucumber salad pair perfectly.
Q3: How do I make it low-carb?
Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or omit them entirely and use an extra egg for binding.
Q4: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q5: How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze any excess moisture from the cabbage before mixing and chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping.