Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor, then this Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is perfect for you! It’s a classic Southern comfort food featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together into a hearty, satisfying dish. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to help you make this Southern favorite.

What is Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole?

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a classic layered casserole made with ground beef, rice, vegetables, tomatoes, and a layer of melted cheese on top. Each layer adds a different texture and flavor, making this casserole a well-balanced meal in itself. The beef layer brings savory richness, while the rice and vegetables make it hearty and satisfying. Topped with melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later.

Ingredients List for Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

To make this comforting five-layer casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beef Layer:

• Ground Beef: 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 ground chuck is ideal for flavor)
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for added flavor
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons for richness
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the beef

For the Rice Layer:

• Rice: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups chicken broth (or water) to cook the rice

For the Vegetable Layer:

• Bell Peppers: 1 green bell pepper, diced
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)

For the Tomato Layer:

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for seasoning the tomatoes

For the Cheese Topping:

• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• Green Onions: 2–3 chopped green onions for garnish
• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon for a hint of smokiness in the beef
• Black Beans: 1 cup drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and texture

Substitutions and Variations

This five-layer beef casserole is versatile, and you can easily swap or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
• Quinoa: Substitute the rice with quinoa for a protein-rich option.
• Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
• More Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes for extra vegetables in the layers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to create this comforting, layered casserole. Follow these easy instructions for a delicious, Southern-inspired meal.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside once done.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 6–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Season the beef with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the bell peppers and slice the carrots. If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it before adding. In a small bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning.

5. Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to layer your casserole. In the greased casserole dish, follow these layers:

1. Rice Layer: Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Beef Layer: Add the seasoned ground beef mixture over the rice.
3. Vegetable Layer: Scatter the diced bell peppers, sliced carrots, and corn over the beef.
4. Tomato Layer: Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) evenly over the vegetables.
5. Cheese Layer: Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

7. Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions of the casserole onto plates and enjoy with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Cook Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps for making this hearty five-layer casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Rice: Cook rice with broth and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: Sauté onions and garlic, then brown the ground beef and season.
4. Prepare Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers, carrots, and thaw corn.
5. Layer the Casserole: Layer rice, beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and top with cheese.
6. Bake: Bake covered for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake until the cheese is bubbly.
7. Let It Rest: Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the layers to set.
8. Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions or hot sauce and serve with your favorite sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Rice: Be sure to cook the rice just until tender. Overcooked rice can become mushy during baking.
• Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers set and keeps it from falling apart when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple serving and presentation ideas.

How to Serve Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

• Portioning: Use a large spoon or spatula to serve the casserole in hearty portions.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
• Toppings: Offer additional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

• Herb Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color.
• Cheese Crust: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
• Serve in Individual Dishes: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a more elegant presentation.

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After assembling, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice works just as well in this casserole. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before layering it in the casserole.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With its layers of seasoned beef, rice, vegetables, and melty cheese, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re making it ahead for busy weeknights or serving it up for a crowd, this dish is always a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this classic Southern comfort food!

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