Description
A hearty and comforting Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake combining ground beef, fresh cabbage, and savory spices baked under a bubbly layer of melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner with classic Southern flavors.
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
Spices and 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, then 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 and cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing a wonderful aroma.
- Add cabbage and seasonings: Stir the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the cabbage to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cabbage mixture.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure the beef broth is gluten free.
- You can substitute cheddar with a different melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
