Description
A comforting Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake featuring ground beef, cabbage, and a flavorful blend of spices baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
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
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat to ensure a lighter dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and prevent burning.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save on cooking day.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- If dairy-free, substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit altogether.
