Description
A hearty Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake that combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory spices baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything well so the flavors combine evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and cabbage mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before serving warm. This step helps the dish to hold together better on plates.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking enhances the depth of flavor.
- Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
