Name: Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of green cabbage; 4 tbsp olive oil, divided; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 1.25 lbs ground beef; 4 slices American cheddar cheese; Ketchup, for garnish; Pickles, for garnish; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup Guinness beer

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a juicy, satisfying burger but want to keep things a little lighter and more exciting, then you’re going to absolutely love this Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe. It combines the hearty flavor of ground beef with the subtle crunch of roasted cabbage “buns,” all elevated by the rich, deep sweetness of Guinness-infused caramelized onions. This recipe is a wonderful twist on classic burgers, perfect for those evenings when you want comfort food without the usual heaviness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five thick slices of green cabbage arranged on a baking sheet with a reddish-brown nonstick liner. Each cabbage slice displays detailed layers of light green and white with visible veins and seed-like seasoning sprinkled on top. The baking sheet rests on a white marbled surface visible around its edges. The overall look is rustic and fresh, showing the natural texture of the cabbage leaves and a few drops of seasoning scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the plate. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items; just a handful of everyday essentials that come together effortlessly.

1 medium Head of green cabbage: Acts as a sturdy, low-carb alternative to traditional burger buns with a satisfying roasted texture.
4 tbsp Olive oil, divided: Adds richness and helps in caramelizing the onions and roasting the cabbage perfectly.
Kosher salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
1.25 lbs Ground beef: The star protein of the burger, providing juicy, savory goodness.
4 slices American cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy, tangy depth.
Ketchup, pickles, for garnish: Classic burger finishing touches that bring brightness and zing.
2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for Guinness onions): Creates a rich, silky base for sautéing the onions.
1 large Yellow onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizes down for sweet, tender layers of flavor.
1/3 cup Guinness (optional): Infuses the onions with a deep, malty complexity that’s utterly addictive.

How to Make Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cabbage Steaks

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trim about an inch off the top of your cabbage and slice the head into 4 to 5 thick steaks, about half an inch thick. Lay these on the sheet and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then season well with kosher salt and pepper. Roast them for roughly 20 minutes until tender edges develop and the cabbage gets a subtle roast flavor that perfectly contrasts with the beef.

Step 2: Prepare the Guinness Caramelized Onions

While the cabbage roasts, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. Now pour in the Guinness and continue to cook the onions for another 10 minutes or so until they’re beautifully soft and caramelized with a glossy, dark finish that will take your burger to the next level.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt, pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Mix just until combined—overworking the meat can make your patties tough. Form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties. Remove the cabbage from the oven, place a patty gently on each cabbage steak, and press lightly to create that perfect smashed effect. Return the pan to the oven and cook for about 8 minutes, allowing the patties to brown and cook through.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

Once the burgers have cooked, pull the sheet pan out and top each patty with a slice of American cheddar cheese. Slide the pan back into the oven for a couple of minutes just until the cheese melts and bubbles deliciously over the meat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve!

Carefully transfer each cabbage burger to a serving platter. Top generously with your Guinness caramelized onions and add a squirt of ketchup and a few crunchy pickles. This is where everything comes together—juicy beef, smoky roasted cabbage, melty cheese, and that sweet tangy onion topping blend perfectly to create an unforgettable bite.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe

The image shows three round stacks on a large white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each stack starts with a base layer of cooked cabbage leaves, pale green and slightly browned. On top of the cabbage are cooked pieces of ground meat covered by a melted layer of sharp yellow cheddar cheese. A layer of sautéed caramelized onions, brown and glossy, is placed on top of the cheese. Bright red ketchup is drizzled in stripes over the onions on each stack. A small silver cup with ketchup, sprinkled with black pepper, sits on the left side of the plate. The white plate and white marbled texture background add a clean contrast to the rich colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can bring out fantastic flavor contrasts. Fresh pickles add a tangy crunch, while a drizzle of ketchup offers classic sweetness. For a little extra flair, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or a bit of crisp lettuce. The Guinness caramelized onions act as a luscious sauce all on their own, so keep additional toppings light and fresh.

Side Dishes

These cabbage burgers are quite satisfying on their own but pairing them with a few well-chosen sides elevates the meal. Think crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even some sweet potato fries. A cold, crisp beer or a glass of dark stout would also be rather perfect here, mirroring the deep flavors of the onions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve your Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe family-style on a wooden board, stacking the burgers with the caramelized onions cascading over the sides. For a lighter bite, slice the burgers into sliders and use smaller cabbage pieces. You could also deconstruct the dish for a beautiful grain bowl, layering the roasted cabbage, beef patties, onions, and your favorite drizzles for an interactive, fun meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Guinness caramelized onions separate in a small container if possible to maintain their best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked patties and roasted cabbage separately for up to 2 months. Freeze the caramelized onions in a freezer-safe container as well. Thaw everything overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the flavors and textures.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the beef or making the cabbage too soft. Add the caramelized onions on top after warming for the best taste experience. Avoid reheating the whole assembled burger in the microwave as the cheese and cabbage texture can suffer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Green cabbage works best due to its sturdy leaves and mild flavor, but you can experiment with red cabbage for a sweeter taste and vibrant color. Just slice it to the same thickness to ensure even roasting.

Is the Guinness really necessary? What if I don’t have it?

The Guinness adds a unique, rich malty flavor to the onions, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with a dark beer or even beef broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth.

Can I make these vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or thick seasoned portobello mushrooms. The cabbage and onions remain just as delicious, creating a satisfying meat-free burger experience.

How can I make the burgers spicier?

If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the beef mixture or spicy mustard to the garnish will give your burgers a kick without overpowering the other flavors.

What’s the best way to ensure the beef patties stay juicy?

Don’t overwork your meat when mixing and forming patties. Keep them slightly loose and handle gently, pressing lightly on the cabbage just enough to keep them intact while cooking. Also, avoid pressing down on patties during cooking to lock in juices.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Cabbage Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone looking to put a fresh spin on classic burgers without losing that satisfying comfort factor. It’s approachable, delicious, and sure to impress your family or friends whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how simple ingredients come together with such incredible results!