Description
A hearty Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and a flavorful blend of spices baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. This comforting casserole combines savory beef, aromatic spices, and wholesome vegetables for a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, confirm that the beef broth used contains no gluten additives.
- Chopping the cabbage finely helps it cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
