Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole that combines tender green cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy topping. Perfectly baked with a rich tomato base and aromatic spices, it’s a comforting dish that suits family dinners and meal prepping alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Tomato Sauce Mix
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary.
- Cook the cabbage: Stir the chopped cabbage into the skillet with the beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften.
- Add tomato and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce. Then, season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir everything well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with rice: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked white rice evenly into the beef and cabbage mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when simmering the tomato mixture.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
