If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and a melty blanket of cheese, you’ve got to try this Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe. It’s a fantastic one-dish wonder that brings together simple ingredients into a homey meal bursting with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping comfort food for the week, this casserole delivers that classic Southern vibe with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory beef and aromatic spices to the fresh cabbage that adds both texture and color. These essentials are what make this dish not only delicious but comforting and well-balanced.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings an irresistible aroma and gentle kick.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped): Offers freshness, slight crunch, and balances the meatiness.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds juiciness and a touch of acidity to brighten flavors.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the savory base and keeps everything moist during baking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning that rounds out all the ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet flavor characteristic of Southern cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the beef.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to cook your casserole to perfection. This temperature helps everything cook evenly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is nicely browned. This step builds the foundational flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
Step 3: 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, about 3-5 minutes. These aromatics give the dish a lovely savory sweetness that is essential in Southern cooking.
Step 4: Combine the Cabbage and Seasonings
Now gently stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything together well to ensure each bite is packed with flavor and a variety of textures.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. This will help it bake uniformly and give you those perfect bites with a little bit of everything.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and the flavors to blend together beautifully without drying out.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the bake. Return the dish to the oven unwrapped and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown with bubbling spots.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish and extra flavor, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy contrast that makes the dish even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with Southern staples like cornbread or a crisp, simple salad. Steamed green beans or roasted sweet potatoes make excellent side dishes that complement the rich, hearty flavors in the bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or atop warm mashed potatoes. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage and beef mixture will continue to develop flavor, making it a tasty option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that comforting taste anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If you want to crisp up the cheese topping again, finish uncovered under the oven broiler for a minute or two—just watch it carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a classic sharpness, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda to give this Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe your personal touch.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is very mild thanks to the paprika and black pepper, making it approachable for most palates. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you love a little heat.
Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?
Fresh cabbage is preferred for its texture, but frozen can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and canned tomatoes without additives.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on it so it cooks evenly throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an easy, wholesome meal that brings comfort with plenty of personality. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table.
Print
Southern Style Cabbage-Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines ground beef, fresh cabbage, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory flavors baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 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 ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain 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 and continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add cabbage 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 all the flavors.
- Transfer to baking dish. Move the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
- Add cheese and finish baking. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Cool before serving. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when adding the seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- This dish pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
