Description
A comforting Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake combining ground beef, cabbage, and flavorful spices baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. This hearty casserole offers a tasty, wholesome meal packed with a rich blend of savory ingredients and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to ensure a leaner dish.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool before serving: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set and for easier serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef for a healthier dish.
- Using a sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast for the topping.
- The cabbage should be chopped into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly during baking.
- For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
