Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a classic comfort food that never disappoints, the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner menu needs. This charming Southern staple has everything you crave in a hearty casserole—savory layers of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, sweet bell pepper, tender onions, juicy tomatoes, all smothered beneath a blanket of golden cheddar cheese. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering, a weeknight dinner, or you just want to cozy up with a delicious meal, this casserole brings a warm, homestyle flavor everyone will remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients, with each one playing a unique role in building flavor, texture, and color. Gather everything ahead of time to make assembly a breeze, and savor that classic down-home taste in every single bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Go for 80/20 for the best flavor balance between juiciness and just enough richness.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: The foundation that soaks up all the savory juices, giving the casserole its signature texture.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Don’t drain! The juices are key for keeping everything moist and adding a gentle tang.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor—don’t skip this aromatic base.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): For color, crunch, and a classic Southern touch—other peppers work too if you want to mix things up.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts best for that irresistible bubbly top layer.
- 1½ cups beef broth: Provides savory moisture for the rice to cook up perfectly tender inside the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for building up the bold, familiar flavors with more convenience than mincing fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Layers in extra warmth and earthiness, pairing beautifully with the fresh onion.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, especially if your broth is already salted.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A necessary touch of gentle heat—fresh cracked pepper is always best.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and beef, adding just a hint of richness to the whole dish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): This fresh green pop is totally optional, but it makes the finished casserole extra appealing on the table.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This way, nothing will stick and you’ll get those perfect, easy-to-serve slices. While the oven warms up, chop your onion and green bell pepper. Prepping everything upfront makes the process smooth and quick—less stress, more flavor!
Step 2: Sauté and Brown
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat that tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll soften and become beautifully fragrant. Next, add in the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once it’s done, carefully drain any excess grease to keep your casserole lighter and less oily. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to blend those savory flavors with the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Layers
The magic of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe really happens here! In your prepared baking dish, begin with an even layer of uncooked rice. Top that with half of your beef and veggie mixture, spreading it out to the edges. Pour over all the diced tomatoes and their juices—don’t hold back! Add the rest of the beef mixture, and finally, pour the beef broth gently over everything. Each layer has a purpose: the rice soaks up flavor, the beef brings protein and heartiness, tomatoes add moisture and tang, and the broth ensures everything bakes up tender and cohesive.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates steam and helps the rice cook evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 1 hour, which gives the flavors ample time to mingle and develop. Resist the urge to peek—the trapped steam is the secret to fluffy rice and tender beef.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
After an hour, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the hot steam!). Sprinkle your cheddar cheese evenly over the bubbly casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and golden brown. Take out the dish and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This pause lets everything set up for the perfect scoop and serve.
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the warm, savory Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe. Feel free to get creative: sliced green onions, a light scatter of chives, or even a little extra cracked black pepper work beautifully as garnishes and add a personal touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is completely satisfying but pairs deliciously well with a simple green salad, roasted green beans, or a side of skillet cornbread. The crisp, fresh notes of a salad balance the hearty flavors, while a little cornbread helps sop up any extra saucy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve big, generous spoonfuls right from the casserole dish—classic, casual, and comforting. If you’re hosting guests, try cutting the cooled casserole into tidy squares and arranging them on a platter with garnishes for a more elegant presentation. Mini ramekins and individual baking dishes turn this into a fun, personalized meal for everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even deeper overnight, making it perfect for easy lunches or a second round at dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly with plastic and aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For quicker results, microwave individual servings in 1-minute bursts until hot, stirring midway. Add a splash of broth if the casserole seems dry, and top with a little extra cheese to freshen the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. However, it does need more liquid and a longer baking time. Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and bake until the rice is tender, checking at 75 and 90 minutes.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! Chicken broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes and will still keep the casserole moist and flavorful. If using a low-sodium broth, you can adjust the salt level to your preference.
Can I make this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and store in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I swap out ground beef for something lighter?
Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic lean alternatives. The texture remains deliciously hearty, and the seasonings ensure you still get that soulful Southern flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
When the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is ready to serve. Giving it a 5-minute rest helps the layers firm up for perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a big pan of Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe with the people you love. It’s soul-warming, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make ahead or customize. Give it a try this week and see why it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that layers ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups beef broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil. Add ground beef, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Layer Ingredients: In the baking dish, layer uncooked rice, half of the beef mixture, diced tomatoes, remaining beef mixture, and beef broth.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, top with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered until melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- If using brown rice, adjust broth and bake time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1â…“ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
