Comforting Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe for Families

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delectable southern five layer beef casserole that promises to delight every hungry soul at the dinner table.

Layers of savory goodness stack up with rich, hearty ingredients that speak directly to southern cooking traditions.

Tender ground beef mingles with creamy sauces and perfectly seasoned vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each forkful tells a story of home-cooked warmth and satisfying textures that dance across your palate.

The casserole brings together simple ingredients in an extraordinary way, transforming basic components into a memorable meal.

Families and friends will gather around, eager to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering southern classic.

This recipe guarantees a delicious journey through southern comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Five Layer Beef Casserole Helpful Tips

• Remove every bit of excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water to add depth and richness to the base layer of the casserole.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to give the beef mixture an extra kick without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Press each layer gently to create a compact casserole that holds together beautifully when served, making each slice neat and appealing.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, creating a perfect melted texture that doesn't run everywhere.

Creative Ideas For Layered Beef Casserole

• Gluten-Free Southern Casserole: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice and ensure all canned tomatoes are gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Layer Deconstructed: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the layered texture and spice profile while creating a meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and incorporate taco seasoning to give the casserole a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, comforting flavors of the original recipe.

Serving Up Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm dish.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Add warm buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the classic Southern-style meal.
• Cool and Creamy Companion: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a cool, creamy element that balances the casserole's warm flavors.
• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh herb brightness.

Layered Beef Casserole Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What meat can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for the tomato sauce and seasonings.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

You can mix in additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and flavor.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Flavor Notes

• Unpack Layers of Comfort: This Southern casserole packs incredible flavor into every single bite, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Conquer Dinner Stress: One-dish wonder that eliminates multiple cooking steps, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a complete meal with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Family Feast Champion: Loaded with kid-friendly ingredients like cheese, beef, and rice, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe lets you swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to match your family's unique taste preferences without complicated modifications.

Ingredients For Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the beef's depth and provide additional flavor complexity.

• Rice: Provides a soft, fluffy foundation for the casserole and absorbs the delicious meat juices.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a tangy, moisture-rich layer that adds moisture and bright acidic notes to the dish.

• Corn Kernels: Sweet vegetable that introduces a pleasant texture and subtle sweetness to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, creamy layer that adds richness and sharp flavor.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic spice combination that seasons the beef and enhances the overall taste profile of the casserole.

Five Layer Beef Casserole Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F.

This will ensure your casserole gets perfectly heated and the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, start browning the ground beef.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped green bell pepper

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice following the package instructions.

This will create a fluffy base for your casserole.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom.

This will be your delicious foundation.

Step 5: Add the Beef Layer

Spread the seasoned beef mixture directly over the rice, creating a hearty second layer.

Step 6: Pour the Tomato Goodness

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Make sure they cover the beef layer completely.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Corn

Scatter corn kernels across the tomato layer for a sweet and colorful touch.

Step 8: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.

This will create a golden, melty top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the cheese turns golden and melted.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your Southern comfort meal!

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Southern five layer beef casserole blends comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Rich ground beef, creamy cheese, and savory vegetables create a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Layer:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice Layer:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetable and Tomato Layer:

• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning

Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13 baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper over medium-high heat until meat browns completely and vegetables soften.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, ensuring even flavor distribution.
4. Simultaneously cook rice according to package directions, aiming for fluffy and separate grains.
5. Create the first casserole layer by spreading cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
6. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the rice layer, creating a consistent meat foundation.
7. Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce across the beef, covering the entire surface to maintain moisture and add tangy flavor.
8. Sprinkle corn kernels over the tomato layer, providing a sweet and textural contrast to the savory components.
9. Generously cover the entire casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese transforms into a golden, melted topping.
11. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors before serving.

Notes

• Enhance the flavor by using homemade beef stock instead of water when cooking rice for deeper, richer taste.
• Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Customize heat levels by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier meals.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a perfect weeknight meal solution.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 518 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg