Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Imagine the perfect combination of hearty, homey, and deliciously layered flavors, and you’ll land right on the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. This Southern classic brings together juicy beef, fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and plenty of melty cheese in a way that is pure comfort with every forkful. Whether you’re looking for a dish to warm you on a cool evening or impress a crowd at a potluck, this casserole’s blend of textures and rich flavors is a surefire way to get everyone asking for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each component brings something essential—think color, flavor, heartiness, or that irresistible cheesy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why you wouldn’t want to skip a single thing!

• Ground beef: Brings juicy, savory depth and forms the backbone of the casserole’s hearty base.
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked): Adds structure and soaks up all those delicious juices and spices as it cooks.
• Canned tomato sauce: Offers richness and a tangy tomato punch to unify the layers.
• Canned diced tomatoes (undrained): Delivers pops of tomato flavor and keeps everything moist and vibrant.
• Medium onion (chopped): Provides sweet, mellow depth as it cooks, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Green bell pepper (chopped): Adds crunch, earthiness, and a splash of color to the mix.
• Frozen corn kernels: Lend a touch of sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty crown on top—don’t skimp, it ties everything together.
• Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors in every bite.
• Black pepper: Gives just the right touch of warmth and gentle heat.
• Paprika: Adds color and a slight smokiness, boosting the comfort factor.
• Garlic powder: For that little burst of garlicky flavor without the mess of mincing fresh cloves.
• Dried oregano: Introduces earthy, herbal notes that play off the tomatoes and beef beautifully.
• Chili powder: Rounds out the spices with a gentle heat and complexity.
• Beef broth: Moistens the whole casserole and infuses all layers with a savory, beefy essence.
• Olive oil: Keeps the beef and veggies succulent as they cook, adding a subtle richness.

How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as you go. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Let them cook for several minutes until they’ve softened and become fragrant—you want those veggies melting into the beef, setting the base for all the flavor to come.

Step 2: Build the Tomato-Veggie Mixture

Now, add in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and frozen corn kernels along with the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. Let this entire mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This brief simmer lets all those spices bloom together, working their way into the beef and veggies while filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

This is the heart of Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole magic! Scatter the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish—this is the first layer and will soak up all that flavorful moisture as it cooks. Pour half of your beef and veggie mixture over the rice, spreading it to cover completely. Next, layer on half the shredded cheddar cheese for a melty surprise in every middle bite.

Step 4: Repeat and Add the Broth

Repeat with the remaining beef mixture for your fourth layer, spreading evenly over the cheese. Then, pour the beef broth slowly and steadily over everything. This is a crucial step—the broth not only cooks the rice but infuses every bite with deep, beefy flavor. Finish with the remaining cheddar cheese sprinkled over the top, which completes your fifth glorious layer.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and bake for one hour. About 10 minutes before it’s done, remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and take on a gorgeous golden color. When the casserole is done, let it rest for around 10 minutes to make slicing and serving easier. Now you’re ready to dive in and enjoy a classic Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole that’s bubbling with comfort.

How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Elevate every plateful by sprinkling it with fresh chopped parsley or a little extra grated cheddar cheese right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions on top work like a dream too, adding brightness, tang, and even more color to your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a true showstopper on its own but shines even brighter when paired with simple sides. Try serving it alongside buttery cornbread, a crisp green salad, or some slow-cooked green beans for that extra Southern touch. The richness of the casserole is perfectly balanced by the freshness and crunch of these classic sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can scoop portions into individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. Or, slice hearty squares and stack them high on a platter drizzled with a bit of hot sauce for gatherings. However you present it, the layers—from golden cheese down to the tender rice—make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish or transfer servings into airtight containers and refrigerate. Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole will keep well for up to four days and the flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making for seriously satisfying next-day lunches.

Freezing

This casserole is fantastic for freezing! Once completely cooled, wrap the whole casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a craving-fix, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop servings in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until hot through (about 20 minutes). Or, use the microwave for faster meals—just add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Either method restores the comforting, melty goodness of your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully if you want a lighter option. You’ll still get delicious layers—just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I need to cook the rice before layering it in the casserole?

No need at all—that’s the beauty of this dish! The uncooked rice cooks perfectly in the oven as it soaks up all the beefy tomato juices and broth, becoming wonderfully tender by the time the casserole is ready.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Of course! Diced carrots, zucchini, or even spinach work well and can add both color and nutrients. Just make sure to keep the veggie pieces small so they cook through evenly.

How spicy is the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole?

It has a gentle warmth from the paprika and chili powder, but nothing overwhelming. If you prefer extra heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your spice level.

What can I do if my casserole turns out too dry?

Try adding a little extra beef broth during baking, or cover tightly with foil the whole time to keep the moisture locked in. If reheating leftovers, just splash on some broth or water before warming—this brings the richness right back.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that truly brings comfort and a sense of Southern hospitality straight to the table, give this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole a try. It’s cozy, full of irresistible flavor, and sure to become a family favorite you reach for time and time again!

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