Homestyle Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort shines through this southern five layer beef casserole, a hearty dish that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of rich ingredients meld together in a symphony of flavors and textures.

Hearty beef mingles with creamy sauces and tender vegetables, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Each bite tells a story of southern hospitality and home-cooked goodness.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole: Layers of Flavor

• Layered Flavor Explosion: Combines multiple ingredients creating a mouthwatering taste journey with each delightful bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple preparation method allows busy home cooks to assemble this hearty meal without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Flexible recipe lets you swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra veggies or different cheese types to match family preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Appeals to both kids and adults with familiar, comforting ingredients that blend together in a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for gathering everyone around the table.

Ingredients for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of this comforting southern casserole.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that adds depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that provides a classic southern side dish element.

• Rice: A fluffy base layer that absorbs the delicious beef sauce and provides substantial texture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Tangy ingredients that create a rich and moist sauce for the beef.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping for the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Worcestershire Sauce: Spices and condiments that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies and Meat

Warm a skillet with olive oil.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until completely browned.

Drain any excess fat from the meat.

Step 2: Create Savory Beef Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Build the First Layers

Grease a baking dish thoroughly.

• Spread cooked rice across the bottom of the dish
• Pour the beef mixture over the rice

Step 4: Add Vegetable and Cheese Layers

• Corn (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Serve warm directly from the baking dish.

Pro Tips for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Use day-old rice or slightly undercooked rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a firm texture when baking.
• Grate cheese fresh for optimal melting and better flavor distribution across the casserole layers.
• Experiment with different spices like chili powder or smoked paprika to add depth and personalize the flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste.

Variations to Try on Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the layered structure and spice profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while preserving the casserole's rich flavor.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Layer: Swap traditional seasonings with cumin, chili powder, and add jalapeños to create a zesty southwestern-style variation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using alternative rice and checking sauce ingredients for potential gluten contamination.

Serving Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Southwestern Fiesta Feast: Top the casserole with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired twist.
• Hearty Family Platter: Pair with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that feeds the whole family.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle sliced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce for those who love an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Ranch Style Finish: Drizzle homemade ranch dressing or add a side of ranch for dipping to complement the rich, cheesy casserole.

Storage Tips for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure even heating and retain moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this Southern five layer beef casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, and basic seasonings, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose brown rice instead of white rice, add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and use reduced-fat cheese to boost nutritional value while maintaining great flavor.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this Southern five layer beef casserole, where hearty ingredients stack up to deliver pure homestyle magic. Layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese promise a satisfying meal that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a steady 350°F, preparing the cooking environment for layered comfort.
2. Sauté aromatic onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and carefully draining away excess fat to ensure a lean mixture.
4. Enrich the meat with diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of seasonings including salt, pepper, smoky paprika, and tangy Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for 5 minutes.
5. Prepare a baking dish with a light greasing, then create a foundational layer of fluffy cooked rice across the bottom.
6. Generously spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the rice base, creating a hearty second layer.
7. Optional: Sprinkle a delicate layer of sweet corn kernels across the beef for added texture and flavor.
8. Liberally cover the corn with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
10. Remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes, letting the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling crown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving this comforting Southern-style dish piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content and provide more nutritional value with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Enhance vegetable diversity by adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrient profile and create more complex taste layers.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier kick to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg