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Crispy Cabbage Burger Bake

This comforting and flavorful bake features a savory seasoned ground beef layer topped with delightfully crispy air-fried cabbage and a cheesy, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It's a hearty, low-carb meal that satisfies like a burger without the bun.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Cabbage
  • 1/2 large head green cabbage cored and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Burger Layer
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
For the Creamy Cheese Topping
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Crispy Cabbage
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced cabbage with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Working in batches if necessary, arrange the seasoned cabbage in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and slightly browned at the edges. Set aside.
Cook the Burger Layer
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  6. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Assemble and Bake
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese until smooth and well combined.
  2. Gently fold in the crispy cabbage into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this cabbage mixture evenly over the ground beef layer in the baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning on the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve
  1. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

Notes

For an even spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cabbage seasoning or burger layer. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You can substitute shredded Swiss or provolone cheese for Monterey Jack.