If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug from Southern hospitality, this Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender ground beef, flavorful cabbage, and topped with melty cheddar cheese, it’s a one-dish wonder that delivers on taste, texture, and that irresistible home-cooked charm. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family, this bake brings all the soul food vibes right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. These pantry staples and fresh produce come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings richness and depth to the casserole.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle bite, balancing the savory beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped): Provides a tender crunch and helps keep the bake light and fresh.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Brings vibrant acidity and juiciness, marrying all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and savory umami that infuses every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a smoky touch that’s quintessentially Southern.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous note to round out the seasonings.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts over the top, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and achieve that perfect tender texture with a beautifully melted cheese topping.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial because browning the meat not only locks in flavor but also adds savory richness to the dish. Once browned, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness that perfectly complements the robust meat. This simple step brings harmony to the flavor profile.
Step 4: Mix in the Veggies and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Combining these ingredients in the skillet lets the flavors meld together, coating each bite with a delicious, well-seasoned touch. The cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the juices, making the dish hearty yet fresh.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, which traps moisture and allows the cabbage and beef to become tender and flavorful as they bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes. This slow cooking time lets all the ingredients mingle and soften perfectly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth Southern comfort food feel.
Step 7: Add the Cheesy Finish
Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, marrying all the flavors with creamy, savory delight.
Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps everything set a bit, making it easier to serve and enjoy every hearty bite.
How to Serve Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions. These fresh, bright additions add a splash of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy cornbread. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the casserole’s hearty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy dinner experience, or plate individual portions with a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy Southern twist. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeños to add brightness and layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then portion it out or freeze the entire dish wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to keep the cheese nice and melty. Alternatively, a microwave works fine for smaller portions, but the oven will give you the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and creates a lighter version while still maintaining great flavor. Just brown it thoroughly as you would with ground beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to keep the hearty texture while making it meat-free.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare the casserole a day ahead?
You can assemble the Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready, adding a little extra time if it’s going into the oven cold.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish has a mild warmth from the black pepper and paprika but is not overly spicy, making it perfect for all ages and taste preferences. You can always add hot sauce or chili flakes to taste when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is a joyous celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most comforting way. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try and bring a little Southern warmth and hospitality to your dinner table soon—you won’t regret it!
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: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Style Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole combining ground beef, cabbage, and a flavorful blend of spices baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. With its rich tomato base and tender vegetables, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
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.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned, then drain the excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onions become translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Mix in vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme into the skillet, combining everything thoroughly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the beef and cabbage 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 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, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when mixing the seasonings.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or steamed rice.
