Description
Hearty Southern five layer beef casserole combines comfort and tradition in one delicious dish. Layers of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings. Comfort awaits with each savory bite you’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Grains:
- 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauces and Cheese:
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish texture.
- Create the first foundation layer by spreading cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture uniformly over the rice layer, creating a consistent second layer.
- Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage for added moisture and flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating an appetizing golden fourth layer.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the ingredients are heated through and bubbling.
- Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden, crispy texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Master the rice layer by using day-old rice or slightly drier rice to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Boost flavor complexity by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for deeper taste profiles.
- Customize the cheese topping with a mix of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more dynamic cheese experience.
- Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and using cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 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: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg