Description
A comforting Southern-style casserole featuring ground beef, cabbage, and a flavorful blend of spices baked together and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty and satisfying 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 later.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the cabbage and meld flavors.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika slightly.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes along with other spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe freezes well; reheat thoroughly before serving after thawing.
