If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that practically sings with Southern comfort, the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish layers tender beef, sweet corn, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and a glorious blanket of melted cheddar into one bubbling masterpiece. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone rush to the dinner table, fork in hand, ready for seconds. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or gathering friends for a cozy get-together, this casserole delivers big flavor and even bigger smiles with every cheesy, savory bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each element is essential, contributing unique flavors, textures, and lovely pops of color to every delicious forkful.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for the heartiest, most flavorful base; it browns up beautifully and gives the casserole its savory depth.
- Onion: Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of bite, building layers of flavor right from the first sauté.
- Cooked White Rice: Fluffy rice soaks up all the savory juices and gives the casserole its classic Southern comfort-food feel.
- Canned Corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels add a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory beef.
- Condensed Tomato Soup: This creamy shortcut brings tang and body, binding the layers together in a rich, tomato-y hug.
- Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Juicy tomatoes with their liquid keep the casserole moist and add little bursts of brightness throughout.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle infuses the whole dish with a warm, garlicky aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and a gorgeous reddish hue to the beef mixture.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the ingredients—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: Gives the casserole a subtle little kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden layer that makes every bite ooze with creamy goodness.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cleanup and helps every layer slide out of the pan perfectly.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
To get the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe off to the right start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This quick step ensures your casserole lifts out easily, keeping those beautiful layers intact.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir occasionally and let them sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Season the Beef Mixture
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to make sure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. This simple step transforms the filling into a deeply flavorful layer that’s truly the heart of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Start building your casserole by spreading the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, add the drained corn as the second layer, followed by the savory beef and onion mixture as the third. For the fourth layer, pour both the condensed tomato soup and the undrained diced tomatoes over the top, gently spreading for even coverage. The final layer is a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, making the casserole look as inviting as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers hold together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness to the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe. For a little extra Southern flair, try a few sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Think warm, buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. For a truly comforting experience, serve alongside sautéed green beans or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the casserole into neat squares and serve each piece on a colorful plate for a festive look. Or, scoop it into individual ramekins for a fun, rustic presentation at gatherings. For potlucks, let guests build their own plates and offer extra toppings like diced avocado, hot sauce, or extra shredded cheese on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day. Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers a treat!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly. If you like your cheese extra gooey, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to let the top get melty and golden.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering, as it takes longer to soften than white rice.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or ground chicken work great for a lighter version, and you’ll still get all those wonderful layers and flavors. You can even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist that holds up nicely.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time since it will be starting from cold.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Definitely! You can mix a little hot sauce into the tomato layer or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a bit of heat. A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes also does the trick.
Can I double the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans, or one extra-large baking dish. It’s a fantastic way to feed a hungry group, and leftovers are always welcome.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with a bubbling pan of Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe at the center. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with soul-warming flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen—you’ll be coming back for seconds before you know it!
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, corn, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy bake that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Layers
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent and soft, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Season Meat: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom. Next, add the drained corn as the second layer. Then, evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture as the third layer.
- Add Tomato Layers: Pour the condensed tomato soup and the undrained diced tomatoes over the beef layer, spreading them evenly to cover the surface completely.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tomato layer, covering the entire dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the layers to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a little hot sauce into the tomato layer before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
