Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to meld the spices and ingredients, this dish makes a comforting and satisfying meal with a classic Southern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Canned and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, ensuring all pink is gone. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce 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, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cabbage to soften.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- This dish pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
