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
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
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.
