This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family dinners. With layers of savory ingredients like tender russet potatoes, hearty ground beef, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, this dish brings together classic flavors in every bite. Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a dish that combines the richness of ground beef, the heartiness of russet potatoes, and the freshness of vegetables? The layers of ingredients meld together beautifully when baked, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The slow-baked process allows each layer to develop its own depth of flavor, and the result is a dish that’s both comforting and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for any family gathering.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
2 large tomatoes, sliced or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Start by layering the thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
Add a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground beef on top of the potatoes.
Follow with a layer of sliced onions, ensuring the rings are separated.
Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or evenly spread the canned diced tomatoes.
Top with chopped green bell peppers and season each layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours.
Once done, the casserole should be bubbly and fragrant.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
If I want to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
Cheese: Add a layer of shredded cheese between the layers of beef and vegetables for extra creaminess and flavor. Cheddar or mozzarella work great!
Spices: If I like a bit of heat, I can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, I can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a veggie crumbles mix, making it just as hearty and delicious.
Storage/Reheating
This casserole stores well and makes for great leftovers!
Storage: I can store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I can cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! I can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it the following day. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil before refrigerating.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. I would assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, I’ll thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the russet potatoes?
If I prefer, I can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor or use frozen hash browns as a time-saver.
How can I make the casserole less greasy?
To reduce the grease, I can drain the ground beef after browning it, or I can use leaner ground beef (such as 93% lean).
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Fresh tomatoes are great, but I can also use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. Either way, the tomatoes will add moisture and flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that I can count on to bring people together around the dinner table. The layers of fresh vegetables, ground beef, and potatoes combine to create a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether it’s a regular family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory ground beef, russet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and seasonings. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Baked to perfection, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
2 large tomatoes, sliced or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
-
Start by layering thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
-
Add a layer of browned and crumbled ground beef on top of the potatoes.
-
Layer sliced onions, ensuring the rings are separated.
-
Add sliced tomatoes or evenly spread canned diced tomatoes.
-
Top with chopped green bell peppers, and season each layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours.
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Once done, the casserole should be bubbly and fragrant.
Notes
Cheese: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Spices: For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or veggie crumbles for a hearty vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by covering with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Casseroles, Comfort Food, Family Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 370 kcal
