Description
A hearty Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake combining ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and savory spices baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a filling family meal.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, ensuring to break up the meat evenly. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion turns translucent, releasing flavorful aromas.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme into the skillet. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to soften the cabbage and blend flavors.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, then return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Draining excess fat from the beef results in a less greasy dish.
- Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting results.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
