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