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