Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Cabbage Cups

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

These crispy cabbage cups combine seasoned ground beef with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles for a delicious cheeseburger-inspired bite. Roasted cabbage creates golden, crisp edges while the savory beef and rich toppings come together for an easy, satisfying low-carb meal.

Labels: #low-carb

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:29:02 GMT
A plate of crispy bacon cheeseburger cabbage cups. Save
A plate of crispy bacon cheeseburger cabbage cups. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace ground beef, although the flavor will be slightly lighter. Season it well and cook until fully browned.

→ How do I keep the cabbage cups crispy?

Use sturdy cabbage leaves, avoid overfilling the cups, and bake until the edges are golden and crisp. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. Monterey Jack, Colby, or American cheese can replace cheddar. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly for the best results.

→ When should I add the bacon and pickles?

Add the crispy bacon and dill pickles after baking. This helps keep the bacon crisp and the pickles fresh and crunchy.

→ Can I make these cheeseburger cabbage cups ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the beef and prepare the cabbage cups ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Cabbage Cups

Crispy cabbage cups filled with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, bacon, and crunchy pickles for an easy cheeseburger-inspired meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves (8)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ Cabbage Cups

01 8 large cabbage leaves
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 Salt, to taste
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Beef Filling

05 1 pound ground beef
06 1/2 small onion, finely diced
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 Salt, to taste
12 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese and Toppings

13 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
15 8 dill pickle slices
16 1/3 cup burger sauce, for serving

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin and press one cabbage leaf into each muffin cup, shaping the leaves into cups. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the beef into small crumbles. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and flavorful.

Step 03

Divide the cooked beef mixture evenly among the cabbage cups. Top each cup generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 04

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheddar is melted and bubbly and the cabbage edges are golden and crisp.

Step 05

Remove the cabbage cups from the oven and top each one with crispy bacon pieces and a dill pickle slice. Drizzle with burger sauce before serving.

Tips

  1. For the crispiest cabbage edges, avoid overfilling the cups and bake until the edges are deeply golden.
  2. Add the bacon and pickles after baking to keep their texture and fresh flavor.

Required Tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy