Cozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy comfort and hearty southern five layer beef casserole promise a delightful dinner experience that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Layers of savory goodness stack up like a delicious edible landscape waiting to be devoured.

Rich ground beef mingles with soft noodles and melted cheese in a casserole that speaks pure southern hospitality.

Pantry staples come together with minimal effort, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Packed with flavor and nostalgia, this dish transports you to grandma’s kitchen with its classic approach.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet memorable recipes, and this casserole delivers precisely that magic.

Scoop up a generous portion and savor every comforting bite of this irresistible southern classic.

Ingredients for Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of this Southern-style casserole.
• Rice: A soft, fluffy base that provides a satisfying foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that adds rich flavor and creamy texture.

• Onions, Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder: A classic seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: These ingredients create a tangy and moist layer that binds the casserole together.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that bring out the robust flavors of the beef and vegetables.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during baking, ensuring even cooking and moisture retention.

How to Layer Southern Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously grease the entire surface. Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and green bell peppers.

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Create First Layer

Spread cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish as the foundation of your casserole.

Step 5: Add Beef Layer

Distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture uniformly over the rice layer.

Step 6: Pour Tomato Layer

Evenly spread diced tomatoes and tomato sauce across the beef mixture.

Step 7: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tomato layer.

Step 8: Bake Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly.

Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become slightly crispy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious Southern five-layer beef casserole!

Tips for Rich Flavor in Beef Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and to prevent clumping during baking.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Enhance the dish by adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or basil before baking for extra depth.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make serving easier.

Fun Variations on Five-Layer Casserole

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free tomato sauce and check seasoning labels for gluten content.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce fat content. Choose low-carb cheese varieties.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. Add extra bell peppers and mushrooms for texture.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Incorporate taco seasoning instead of current spices. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serving Ideas for Southern Beef Casserole

• Southern Comfort Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal that satisfies every hungry family member.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add zesty southwestern flair.
• Game Day Delight: Pair with crispy tortilla chips, cold beer, and a fresh green salad for the ultimate casual dinner or sports watching spread.
• Potluck Party Star: Transport in a covered dish and watch this colorful layered casserole become the centerpiece of any community gathering or family reunion.

Keeping Southern Beef Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Use shallow containers to help cool the casserole quickly and evenly.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Label the container with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that all seasonings and canned tomatoes are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicy paprika to increase the heat level in the ground beef mixture.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole, Deeply Comforting

• Craft Hearty Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming Southern-style casserole packed with rich flavors and satisfying layers that bring the whole family together around the dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prep this one-pan wonder with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making dinner stress-free and deliciously manageable for busy households.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, experiment with different cheese blends, or add extra veggies to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget, feeding multiple people with affordable ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.

Hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern five layer beef casserole combines hearty ingredients in a classic comfort dish. Layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains and Vegetables:

• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers in olive oil until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, incorporating garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook thoroughly until the meat achieves a rich brown color, then drain any accumulated fat.
4. Create the foundation of the casserole by distributing cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Carefully spread the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture as a uniform layer atop the rice foundation.
6. Distribute diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tomato layer, creating a melty, golden topping.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the dish becomes hot and bubbling. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes to allow the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and fiber.
• Customize vegetable mix by adding carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Consider using low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant or health-conscious diners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg