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Instructions
Prepare the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Cook the Cabbage
- While the beef is cooking, heat a separate large pan over medium heat and add the chopped cabbage.
- Sauté the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften and becomes slightly translucent. You want the cabbage to be tender but still have some texture.
Combine the Ingredients
- Once the beef is cooked, add the sautéed cabbage to the beef mixture.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly.
Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve and Garnish
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a touch of freshness and color (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors!
Tips & Variations
Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition and color, add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef and cabbage mixture.
Make it Spicy or Mild: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to your spice preference. You can even add jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to use cheddar, monterey jack, or even a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile.
Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a nice creamy contrast to the spiciness of the casserole.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it reheats beautifully. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just bake it and let it cool completely before freezing.
Final Thoughts
Spiced Cabbage & Beef Casserole with a Kick of Chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty ingredients and bold flavors in one delicious dish. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and zesty spices offers a satisfying and savory meal, while the chili kick adds the perfect amount of heat. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or serve it for a family gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to please.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!
Looking for more spicy, comforting casserole ideas or other creative ways to use cabbage? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to share more!
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