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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create the foundation of the casserole by distributing cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spread the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture as a uniform layer atop the rice foundation.
- Distribute diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tomato layer, creating a melty, golden topping.
- 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.
- 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