The Heartiest Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe Ever

Southern comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering five layer beef casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of hearty ingredients stack up like edible memories from grandma’s kitchen.

Families adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Savory ground beef mingles with creamy textures and rich seasonings.

Each forkful delivers a warm embrace of traditional southern cooking.

Cheese bubbles and melts, creating golden-brown perfection across the top layer.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this classic casserole that screams home-cooked happiness.

Prepare to experience a recipe that brings everyone around the table with joy.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole: Reasons to Try It

• Transform Comfort Food: Elevate classic grilled cheese by adding savory ground beef for a protein-packed twist that turns a simple sandwich into a hearty meal.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines familiar ingredients with minimal prep work, making it a go-to option for hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers for your favorite veggies or experiment with different cheese types to create a personalized sandwich that suits every taste preference.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to cook the beef and assemble the sandwich, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.

Ingredients Needed for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy and filling foundation that absorbs the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creamy richness and a golden-brown finish.

• Onions, Tomatoes, Corn: A colorful vegetable medley that brings freshness, sweetness, and moisture to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste and help develop deep, savory flavors in the beef and vegetables.

How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn on the oven and set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for your casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Follow the package instructions to prepare fluffy, perfectly cooked rice that will form the base of your delicious casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant flavor.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Cook the meat thoroughly until it turns a rich, appetizing brown color.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Layers

• Cooked rice as the first layer
• Seasoned beef mixture
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Shredded cheese on top

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket covering the delicious layers.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a moment.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors and textures that make this Southern dish so special.

Pro Tips for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole option.
• Drain beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent a watery dish and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for added complexity and depth.
• Use fresh corn kernels instead of canned for enhanced texture and a more vibrant taste profile.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling layers and refrigerating before baking, making meal prep easier for busy families.

Flavor Variations for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Fusion: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add black beans, swap tomatoes for salsa, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Adventure: Use lamb instead of beef, incorporate quinoa, add diced cucumbers, top with feta cheese, and season with oregano and mint.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Substitute beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, use vegetable broth for rice, and add spinach for extra nutrition.
• Cajun Seafood Remix: Replace beef with andouille sausage and shrimp, use dirty rice, add okra, and finish with a sprinkle of cajun seasoning and cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a fresh garden salad on the side, adding crisp greens to balance the rich, warm layers.
• Tex-Mex Twist Night: Transform the dish by adding a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flair that brings extra excitement to the table.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Pack this casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, as it travels well and offers a crowd-pleasing combination of protein, grains, and veggies that everyone will love.
• Leftover Lunch Makeover: Reheat individual portions the next day, topped with a fried egg for a quick and satisfying lunch that breathes new life into yesterday's dinner.

How to Store Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Cook the rice slightly al dente before layering, as it will continue to absorb moisture during baking.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe.

• What cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese are excellent choices, providing great melting properties and rich flavor.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats well and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or busy families.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern five layer beef casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables across the American South. Hearty layers of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sauces create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 ml) rice, cooked
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) corn, drained
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by generously coating with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Cook rice in a separate pot according to package directions, fluffing with a fork once completed to maintain light texture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, warming pan for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Add diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
6. Season beef mixture with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the meat.
7. Create initial layer in baking dish with prepared rice, spreading evenly across bottom of pan.
8. Carefully distribute cooked beef mixture as the second distinct layer over rice.
9. Spread chopped tomatoes uniformly as the third layer, ensuring even coverage.
10. Distribute corn kernels as the fourth layer, creating a colorful vegetable foundation.
11. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, covering entire casserole surface.
12. Transfer baking dish to preheated 350°F oven, baking for 22-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly golden.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that reduces saturated fat content.
• Customize vegetable layers by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and create more vibrant flavor profiles.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and provide a more wholesome whole grain base for the casserole.
• Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese options to accommodate lactose-intolerant or weight-conscious dietary needs while maintaining delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg