Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a nostalgic, homestyle dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and soft dough in a warm, satisfying bundle. Baking them in the oven gives each roll a beautifully golden exterior while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. This recipe is ideal for busy families, batch cooking, or anyone craving a hearty, old-fashioned meal with minimal fuss. I once tried adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture, and it added just the right amount of depth without overshadowing the cabbage. These homemade stuffed rolls are wonderfully filling, easy to transport, and even better the next day. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, packing them for lunch, or freezing them for later, Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer reliable comfort with every bite.
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Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers: A Comforting, Hearty Meal Made Easy
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Yield: 8–10 cabbage burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Soft, baked yeast rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, cabbage, and onions—an easy handheld dinner also known as runzas or bierocks.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3–3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp oil or butter for sautéing
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in egg and melted butter. Add salt and flour gradually, kneading until a soft dough forms. Cover and rise 1 hour.
- For the filling, heat oil in a skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion, cabbage, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is soft and mixture is well blended. Cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 balls. Roll each into a 5–6 inch circle.
- Spoon filling into the center of each dough round. Pinch edges to seal and place seam-side down on the tray.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Notes
- Let the filling cool to avoid making the dough soggy.
- Add shredded cheese for a richer version.
- These freeze well—reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef builds the hearty core of the filling. Choose medium-fat beef for better flavor and a juicier interior once baked.
Cabbage
Shredded cabbage softens beautifully during cooking, adding moisture, volume, and a natural sweetness to the beef mixture.
Onion
Finely chopped onion enhances the savory flavor of the filling. It softens as it cooks and blends seamlessly with the beef and cabbage.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors without becoming overpowering.
Salt and pepper
These seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables, providing essential balance.
Seasoned salt (optional)
A pinch of seasoned salt enhances the overall flavor profile and adds extra richness.
Butter or oil
Used for sautéing the filling, butter or oil helps soften the cabbage and onion while enhancing flavor.
Bread dough or roll dough
Soft dough envelopes the beef and cabbage mixture, baking into a warm, golden wrapper. I’ve used both homemade dough and store-bought frozen bread dough; both yield excellent results.
Directions
Begin by preparing the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed, then add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened. Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, and optional seasoned salt. Continue cooking until the cabbage wilts and all flavors meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the bread dough into small squares or circles—large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling. Place a mound of the cooled beef mixture onto the center of each dough portion.
Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together securely to form sealed pockets. Place the filled dough seamside down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with butter for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, and the flavors deepen as they rest.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8–10 cabbage burgers depending on dough size. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, filling requires 10–15 minutes to cook, and baking takes 20–25 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore softness without drying the filling. They also freeze well for up to two months; thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Cabbage Burgers
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling before sealing for a melty surprise.
Spiced Beef Version
Add paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a bold, seasoned profile.
Pork and Cabbage Filling
Swap ground beef for ground pork or use a mix for more richness.
Vegetarian Cabbage Burgers
Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute.
Caraway Cabbage Rolls
Add a pinch of caraway seeds for a classic cabbage flavor.
Garlic Butter Topping
Brush the tops with garlic butter before baking for extra aroma.
Whole Wheat Dough
Use whole wheat dough for a heartier, more rustic result.
Sauerkraut Variation
Add a small amount of drained sauerkraut for extra tang.
Herb-Infused Filling
Stir in parsley, thyme, or dill for added freshness.
Mini Snack-Size Rollups
Divide dough smaller to create bite-sized cabbage burger snacks.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate unbaked for up to 12 hours.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes, freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a bag; bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Can I use coleslaw mix instead of cabbage?
Yes, it works well and saves prep time.
Should the filling be cooled before adding to the dough?
Yes, slightly cooled filling prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, checking for even browning.
What dough works best?
Bread dough, roll dough, or even refrigerated pizza dough works well.
How do I keep them from opening while baking?
Pinch dough firmly and place seam-side down.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely—cheese melts beautifully into the filling.
Do I need to cook the cabbage before baking?
Yes, sautéing ensures the filling is soft and flavorful.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, though seasoning may need slight adjustment.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers bring hearty comfort and nostalgic flavor to any meal. With their tender dough exterior and savory cabbage-beef filling, they are satisfying, portable, and ideal for both quick dinners and make-ahead meals. Their versatility welcomes countless variations, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your tastes and dietary preferences. Serve them warm from the oven for a cozy, filling dish that brings homemade goodness to the table with ease.
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