If you’re in the mood for a cozy, hearty classic that brings pure Southern comfort straight to your kitchen, you simply must try Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. This beloved dish layers savory beef, tender rice, vibrant veggies, and melty cheddar cheese in one irresistible bake—no tricky steps or fancy ingredients required. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, making it a perfect fit for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving a taste of true Southern hospitality, this one-pan wonder delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this recipe is simple, but don’t be fooled—each brings major flavor, texture, and that signature golden color. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’re on your way to casserole glory!
- Ground Beef: Go for lean or regular beef; browning it until crumbly brings savory richness to the casserole’s foundation.
- Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: Using uncooked rice means it absorbs all the savory juices in the oven for a fluffy, flavorful bite every time.
- Chopped Onion: Onion adds sweet depth and classic Southern aroma—yellow or white both work fine.
- Chopped Green Bell Pepper: The bell pepper’s color and mild crunch brighten the casserole and complement the beef.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juice (15 oz can): Don’t drain! The juices add moisture and a touch of acidity that balances the richness.
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Tomato sauce binds everything together while lending a velvety texture and savory flavor.
- Salt: Brings all the casserole’s flavors to life—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and a warm, earthy undertone.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle infuses the layers with aromatic Southern warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb that brings an unmistakable Southern flair and complexity.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Tops the whole casserole with a gooey, golden layer that everyone loves—sharp cheddar melts beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Poured over everything, it ensures every bite is hydrated, flavorful, and perfectly cooked through.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things going. This temperature allows all the ingredients to cook through gently, letting the flavors mingle and the rice fluff up beautifully as it bakes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until nicely browned and crumbly, about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat—this step keeps the casserole from getting greasy while still packing each mouthful with savory goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and start the fun part: layering. Begin with the uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by an even layer of the freshly browned beef. Next, sprinkle in the chopped onion and bell pepper for color and crunch. Spoon over the diced tomatoes (with all their juices!) and smooth the tomato sauce on top. Finish by seasoning with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano for that signature Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole flavor profile.
Step 4: Add the Beef Broth
Pour the beef broth gently and evenly over everything in the dish. The rice will soak up all that flavorful liquid as it cooks, ensuring every spoonful is tender and infused with meaty goodness.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil, and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for one hour; this step is crucial for allowing the rice to cook through and absorb all the beautiful flavors trapped inside the foil tent.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
After an aromatic hour has passed, carefully remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then pop it back in, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes. This last stretch lets the cheese get irresistibly melted and bubbly—a must for any great Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Patience pays off: let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes in the pan before serving. This lets the layers settle and makes slicing neat, generous portions an absolute breeze.
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
For that final Southern flourish, consider scattering freshly chopped parsley or green onion over the top right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a whisper of hot sauce can also bring an extra layer of indulgence and flavor to each serving.
Side Dishes
No Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is complete without a few comforting sides. Classic choices include buttery cornbread, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to provide a fresh contrast to the hearty main dish. Even a side of pickled okra or crunchy dill pickles can add a tangy counterpoint you’ll love.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn individual servings into little works of art! Spoon portions into wide, shallow bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color. For gatherings, bake and serve in small ramekins for a personal touch—guests will love having their very own Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and pop it right into the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a convenient option for lunches and busy weeknight dinners when you need comfort food in a hurry.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole! Let it cool fully, then wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—and the flavors may even get a touch richer upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual slices or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through (about 20 minutes for a full casserole, 5–10 minutes for smaller portions). The microwave works for faster meals; just add a splash of broth or water and cover loosely to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth. Add 10–15 extra minutes of baking time, checking for doneness before topping with cheese.
Is there a vegetarian version of Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and swap beef broth for vegetable broth—every other delicious layer stays the same.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is very make-ahead friendly. Assemble it completely (minus the cheese), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dish to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before you place it in the oven.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar add their own melty, dreamy qualities to the casserole’s top layer.
How can I add a little heat?
To spice things up, toss a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the layer with your seasoning or add diced jalapeños along with the bell pepper. A drizzle of hot sauce on the finished dish is never discouraged!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a winning dinner that’s easy, family-friendly, and bursting with comforting Southern flavors, give Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole a spot in your recipe lineup. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table, one delicious forkful at a time—so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to meal for any occasion!
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Layers of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese come together in a deliciously satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Layer ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order: uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, chopped onion and bell pepper, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Add broth and bake: Pour the beef broth evenly over the dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Add cheese and bake: Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the ground beef.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
