Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender ground beef, savory cabbage, and a blend of flavorful spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish combines classic Southern ingredients in a simple oven-baked recipe that serves six.
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
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned all over. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, enhancing the base flavor of the dish.
- Add cabbage and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything well to combine the flavors 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 and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve this bake with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese, try using smoked cheddar or pepper jack instead of mild cheddar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
