If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, you are going to love this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe. Picture tender cabbage melding perfectly with savory ground beef, all wrapped up in a warm embrace of tomatoes, spices, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a down-home casserole that brings together simple ingredients for big, bold flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe hits all the right notes of soul-satisfying goodness that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color without any complicated steps. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life in your own kitchen:
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings rich, savory flavor and protein, making this dish hearty.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the bake with a fragrant aroma and sharp bite.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped): Provides tender crunch and balances the beef with its subtle earthiness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds juiciness and a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist while enhancing the meaty flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to bring out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the dish a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the beef and cabbage perfectly.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into a creamy, golden topping that makes this bake irresistible.
How to Make Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready for baking later. Next, brown your ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet until it’s fully cooked and flavorful. Remember to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy and to maintain the perfect balance.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
To the browned beef, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion turns translucent and tender. This step is key because the softened onion and bold garlic release their sweetness and aromatic qualities, setting the foundation for the entire bake.
Step 3: Combine Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in the freshly chopped cabbage along with the canned diced tomatoes (including their glorious juices). Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix everything well to evenly distribute all those wonderful flavors. The cabbage will soak up the juices and spices, becoming soft yet satisfying once baked.
Step 4: Transfer and Bake
Transfer your mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This covering traps moisture, helping the cabbage soften beautifully as it bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to harmonize.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Slide the dish back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crown that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let everything settle and intensify.
How to Serve Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh garnish goes a long way in elevating the presentation of your cabbage beef bake. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. A dash of hot sauce or an extra pinch of paprika on top can give it a lively finish if you enjoy a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with some creamy mashed potatoes or a slice of warm cornbread turns the meal into a true Southern feast. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also balance the richness and add some refreshing crunch and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy with your Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an inviting, personal touch. You can also layer additional toppings like caramelized onions or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even a comforting potluck dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully overnight. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the cabbage tender. Alternatively, the microwave works well for a quick meal, though the oven will give the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds that classic sharpness and meltiness, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and canned tomatoes. It’s a great hearty option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
You sure can. Ground turkey or chicken will give you a leaner option, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Adjust seasonings if needed to keep the richness balanced.
How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or even some corn along with the cabbage for extra texture, color, and nutrients. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep everything tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian take on this classic bake.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, satisfying flavors of this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe when you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s easy to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and brings a taste of Southern hospitality to your table. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and soul-warming as I do — happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting Southern style cabbage beef bake featuring ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and a blend of spices baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family meal and combines savory flavors with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
Liquid and Seasonings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness and aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish in an even layer, spreading it out to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil 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 shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger casserole dish if serving a bigger group.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
