Hearty Baked Cabbage and Meat Patties

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:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey

  • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or cooked rice for a gluten-free option)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Baking:

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Sauce (for serving):

  • ½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

  • 1 tsp vinegar

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 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.

  3. Shape Patties:
    Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions and shape into thick patties (about ½–¾ inch thick).

  4. Arrange & Brush:
    Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.

  5. Bake:
    Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

  6. 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

  • For extra tenderness, briefly sauté the cabbage before mixing it in.

  • Use a mix of pork and beef for richer flavor.

  • Make mini versions for sliders or lunchboxes.

  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer.

  • To freeze: shape raw patties, freeze flat, and bake from frozen when ready.

🧘‍♀️ Health Benefits

  • Cabbage: High in fiber and antioxidants, promotes gut and heart health.

  • Lean Protein: Supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.

  • Baked, Not Fried: Less oil, fewer calories, but still hearty and flavorful.

🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 patties)

  • Calories: 280

  • Protein: 25 g

  • Fat: 16 g

  • Carbohydrates: 10 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • 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.

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