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
Scale
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
