1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a step I learned the hard way—you’ll thank yourself later when cleanup is a breeze.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. It’s a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
3. Form the mixture into patties, about the size of your palm. I usually get about 8 burgers from this recipe, but you do you!
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each patty for about 2 minutes on each side, just until browned. This step locks in that delicious flavor.
5. Transfer the patties to the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the edges are slightly crispy.

It’s just like my dad used to say when he’d stir his lentils and rice: “The secret ingredient is always patience.”