The Most Comforting Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Southern comfort whispers through this hearty five layer beef casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory ingredients create a delightful melody of flavors dancing across your plate.

Hearty ground beef mingles with creamy textures and rich seasonings in each carefully constructed section.

Simple ingredients come together like old friends gathering for a warm reunion.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the straightforward preparation and deeply satisfying results.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this classic southern dish.

Regional culinary traditions shine through every single bite of this incredible casserole.

Follow along and transform your dinner into a memorable feast that everyone will request again and again.

Why Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Stands Out

• Craft Comfort Food: Southern-style casserole delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that wrap you in warmth and nostalgia.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Simplified cooking process combines multiple ingredients into a single dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious preparation time.
• Feed a Hungry Crowd: Generous 9×13 baking dish serves multiple people, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using ground turkey instead of beef or adding different vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients That Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A classic base layer that offers a soft and filling foundation for the dish.

• Onions, Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: A seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide moisture, tanginess, and a classic southern-style sauce element.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp topping that creates a golden and delicious finish to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and ensuring they do not stick to the pan.
• Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.

How to Bake Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and green bell peppers.

Cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the meat until it turns brown and is completely cooked through.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Create Rice Foundation

Spread cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

This will serve as the first delicious layer of the casserole.

Step 5: Add Beef Layer

Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the rice layer, creating a hearty second layer.

Step 6: Pour Tomato Mixture

Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly over the beef layer, adding moisture and rich flavor to the casserole.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty final layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot.

Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting Southern-style beef casserole!

Steps to Maximize Flavor in Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Opt for long-grain white rice to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor that complements the hearty beef mixture.
• Experiment with different bell pepper colors like red or yellow for added visual appeal and subtle taste variations.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or parsley on top for extra depth and freshness before serving.

Flavor Enhancements to Consider for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for volume.

Side Dishes That Pair with Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Rustic Ranch Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of crisp green salad and buttermilk ranch dressing for a complete southern-style meal that brings comfort to the table.
• Tex-Mex Fiesta Twist: Top the casserole with fresh sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to give it a zesty southwestern flavor profile that packs a punch.
• Family Picnic Platter: Cut into generous squares and pair with warm cornbread or buttered dinner rolls, creating a satisfying spread perfect for casual family gatherings or potluck events.
• Game Day Delight: Portion into smaller servings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports watching parties, accompanied by tortilla chips and extra salsa for dipping excitement.

Storage Tips to Keep Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Separate portions into individual meal-sized containers for easy reheating.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Is this casserole spicy?

No, this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is mild and family-friendly. The recipe uses basic seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper without adding hot spices.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works perfectly as the base layer. Just ensure it’s pre-cooked and cooled before layering to maintain the right texture.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful during baking without becoming too greasy.

Top Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern five layer beef casserole combines hearty ingredients from traditional southern kitchens. Meat, vegetables, and creamy layers create a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs you’ll gladly welcome home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains:

• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish to ensure easy serving and clean-up.
2. Sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the meat browns evenly, then carefully drain any accumulated fat to maintain a lean texture.
4. Create the foundation of the casserole by spreading cooked rice uniformly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the first substantial layer.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture directly over the rice layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
6. Cascade diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly across the beef, creating a rich, moisture-rich third layer that will infuse the dish with robust flavor.
7. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a golden, tantalizing topping.
8. Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the contents become bubbling and heated through. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow the cheese to transform into a crisp, golden crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to settle and making serving easier and more cohesive.

Notes

• Customize rice selection by using brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crisp, not soggy, bottom layer.
• Elevate flavor by using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and adding smoked paprika or dried herbs like oregano.
• Make the dish gluten-free by confirming all canned tomato products are certified gluten-free and using gluten-free seasonings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern 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: 65 mg