Cozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe for Family Joy

Nestled in culinary traditions, this southern five layer beef casserole brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Family meals spark memories of hearty gatherings.

Layers of savory ingredients promise rich, satisfying flavors that comfort and delight.

Hearty ground beef mingles with creamy textures and robust seasonings.

Simple ingredients combine in a symphony of southern cooking charm.

Warm aromas will fill your home with anticipation.

You’ll want to dig into this soul-warming dish right away.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Layers Of Flavor

• Craft a Hearty Meal: Layer up a delicious Southern-style casserole that combines rice, ground beef, and veggies in one satisfying dish.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and basic ingredients make this recipe a go-to for busy families looking for a quick and tasty dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out vegetables or cheese types to match your family's preferences, making this a versatile and adaptable recipe.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single baking dish means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a comforting meal together.

Ingredients For Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole that provides rich protein.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that brings moisture and tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that provides additional texture and color.

• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.
• Paprika: Warm spice that adds a subtle smoky undertone to the ground beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Cooked Rice: Soft and fluffy foundation that absorbs the delicious meat juices.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, crispy layer with rich dairy flavor.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Foil: Protective covering that helps retain moisture during initial baking.

Cooking Instructions For Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for this mouthwatering southern comfort dish.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown treasure.

Drain away any excess fat.

Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Layer with Love

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick grease.

• Cooked rice as the foundation
• Seasoned beef mixture
• Diced tomatoes
• Sweet corn kernels
• Generous blanket of shredded cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and merge.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and the flavors to intensify before serving up this southern comfort classic.

Tips To Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Great

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef for an extra flavor kick.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex taste profile.
• Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and reduce added salt to make the dish healthier without compromising taste.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a delicious vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations To Try With Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to create a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while keeping the layered casserole concept.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap traditional seasonings with oregano, basil, and za'atar spice blend, then add feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Incorporate black beans, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese with pepper jack for a zesty, kicked-up version that brings southwestern flair to the classic casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty casserole as a complete meal with minimal side dishes.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair with creamy coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve with a side of buttered toast or warm cornbread to soak up the delicious tomato and beef juices.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Offer with tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped cilantro as optional toppings for a fun, customizable dining experience.

Storage Tips For Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add extra cheese on top for refreshed flavor.

FAQs

• What gives this casserole its Southern charm?

The combination of ground beef, rice, and classic vegetables like corn and bell peppers reflects traditional Southern comfort food cooking styles.

• Is this dish budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned vegetables, making it an economical meal that feeds a family easily.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, which makes meal planning convenient.

• How nutritious is this casserole?

This dish provides a balanced meal with protein from beef, carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from vegetables, offering a complete and satisfying nutrition profile.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern five layer beef casserole blends comforting textures and rich flavors from traditional Southern cooking. Home cooks will savor this layered dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheese into a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing for a hearty casserole creation.
2. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and draining any accumulated fat.
4. Enhance the meat with robust seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavor-packed profile.
5. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease to prevent sticking.
6. Construct layers systematically: spread a foundation of cooked rice as the first tier.
7. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the rice layer.
8. Cascade diced tomatoes over the beef, creating a moisture-rich stratum.
9. Sprinkle corn kernels generously to add sweetness and texture.
10. Crown the casserole with a lavish blanket of shredded cheese.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
12. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, letting the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to settle and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture and fluffiness in the casserole base.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy.
• Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce overall fat content while maintaining flavor.
• Swap regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for healthier dietary modifications.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 421 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg