Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole combining tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and flavorful spices, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish brings a delicious blend of textures and flavors inspired by Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef helps reduce grease and keeps the bake from being too oily.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated; bake covered initially, then add cheese and finish baking just before serving for the best texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
