The Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the essence of soulful Southern cooking in every bite. It’s a perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich spices, all baked to perfection with gooey melted cheddar cheese crowning the top. This dish is a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen while being surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your table with irresistible flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe right starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its distinct flavor and texture. From the savory beef to the fresh cabbage and melty cheddar, every component is essential to the final dish’s deliciousness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that carries the flavors beautifully.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a subtle punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped): Offers tender texture and earthy freshness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Infuses the dish with juiciness and a tangy kick.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the savory richness and keeps the bake moist.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Perfectly balances the seasoning with gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky, subtle warmth to the bake.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces a fragrant herbal note to elevate the dish.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): A melty, golden topping that makes each bite irresistible.
How to Make Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bake will cook evenly once all ingredients are combined and layered. While the oven warms up, chop the cabbage, onion, and mince your garlic so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial as browning the beef gives the dish its deep, savory flavor. Drain any excess fat to keep the bake from being greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness and mingling perfectly with the beef’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mixing these well ensures every bite bursts with balanced, flavorful goodness that feels authentic and hearty.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finish
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This cheesy layer adds the perfect creamy texture and flavor contrast.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake rest for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve and allows the flavors to settle, making every bite just as delicious as the first.
How to Serve Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh herbal flavor that complements the rich, comforting bake.
Side Dishes
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. These sides add variety in texture and help round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this bake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layering it with a crunchy breadcrumb topping or stirring in a handful of cooked rice can make this dish uniquely yours every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after sitting overnight, making your next meal even more delightful.
Freezing
This bake freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture and flavor. Microwave works too, but the oven will keep the cheese topping nice and melty without becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and pairs nicely with the cabbage and spices, though it may produce slightly less rich flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful while making it vegetarian.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the bake a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake when ready. Just add the cheese topping before baking.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is traditional and works best here, offering the perfect texture and mild flavor that complements the beef and spices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a little Southern charm to their kitchen table. It’s a lovingly simple meal that feels both nostalgic and new, with every ingredient playing a starring role. So fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Print
Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines classic Southern flavors with an easy bake method that yields a savory, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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
Dairy
- 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 ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- 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 flavor base.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the beef and cabbage mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and meld with the beef.
- Add cheese topping and finish baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the browned ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Using fresh cabbage instead of pre-shredded will provide better texture.
- Covering the baking dish while initially baking helps the cabbage soften properly.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal the next day.
