Description
A hearty Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake combining ground beef, fresh cabbage, and savory seasonings baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner and offers a flavorful, nutritious twist on traditional Southern cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 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
- 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, ensuring to break it apart for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture 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 and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when adding seasonings.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor, or a blend of cheeses for variety.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- This dish pairs nicely with cornbread or a fresh green salad.
