If you’re craving cozy comfort food that brings everyone to the table with big smiles, the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With layers of seasoned beef, hearty rice, sweet corn, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, each forkful delivers a taste of southern hospitality. This dish has all the charm of a Sunday supper and the simplicity perfect for busy weeknight dinners—plus, it’s easy to make ahead and always a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity—each ingredient shines and contributes unique flavor, texture, or a burst of color to the finished dish. Every element comes together to create a true classic you’ll be proud to serve, and you probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already!
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The savory, juicy foundation—opt for lean beef for less grease.
- Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup): The base layer soaks up all the delicious flavors and provides satisfying heartiness.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Brings a pop of color and a gentle crunch that brightens up every bite.
- Small Onion (1, chopped): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth to complement the beef.
- Canned Corn (15 oz, drained): Sweet and juicy, this adds a touch of southern flair and extra texture.
- Tomato Sauce (15 oz can): Lends tanginess and moisture, tying all the layers together.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps cook the rice evenly right in the oven, so you don’t need to pre-cook it!
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses the casserole with classic, aromatic notes.
- Onion Powder (1 tsp): Amplifies the flavor of the fresh onion without overpowering it.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Offers gentle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Enhances all the ingredients—taste as you go to get it just right!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): The essential gooey, melty topping that makes every casserole better.
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional): Sprinkled just before serving for a pop of green and freshness.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Heat a skillet over medium, then add the ground beef. Let it cook, breaking it apart as it browns for even cooking. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper as it cooks. If there’s extra grease, drain it off so your casserole isn’t too heavy. Set this flavorful beef aside while you prep the other layers.
Step 2: Layer the Uncooked Rice
Now for the fun part—building the layers! First, pour the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This rice will absorb all those incredible flavors and juices as it bakes, becoming perfectly tender without any extra fuss.
Step 3: Add the Veggie Layers
Scatter the chopped green bell pepper and onion in an even layer over the rice, spreading them right to the edges. This combination adds color, sweetness, and a little southern crunch. Then, top that with all the drained corn, spreading it evenly—it’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Saucy Finish
Take the seasoned ground beef you made earlier and gently spoon it over the veggie layer, using a spatula to spread it out if needed. Next, blend the tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water together and pour it evenly over the entire casserole, making sure every inch is moistened—the rice will cook up beautifully thanks to this step!
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese
Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven for a 60-minute baking session. This hands-off time is when all the southern magic happens: the rice steams, the flavors mingle, and your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas. After 60 minutes, pull it out, remove the foil, and shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it back in the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, slice, and serve warm!
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
You can keep it classic with just a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of color and a little fresh flavor, or go wild—chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce all work beautifully on Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. Each garnish adds its own personality, so let your cravings guide you!
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to shine on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, buttery cornbread, or steamed green beans. The fresh and crunchy textures from the sides balance out the casserole’s richness and warmth, making dinner feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, try portioning Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole into individual ramekins—everyone gets their own perfect serving (and melty cheese on top!). Or, cut into squares and stack onto a big platter for an inviting, family-style spread. Top each square with a little extra cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes when serving to give it a festive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for fuss-free lunches or busy weeknight dinners. The flavors often deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day!
Freezing
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole freezes like a dream. Just wrap the cooled casserole (either whole or in portions) tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. It’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole (or individual servings) with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For quick lunches, the microwave on medium power works, too—just add a splash of water if it seems a little dry and cover it to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently, so if you try it, add more water and extend the baking time. You might also par-cook the brown rice before layering to ensure everything finishes together.
Is Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole spicy?
The recipe as written is flavorful but not spicy, making it family-friendly. To add some heat, try using pepper jack cheese, toss in a handful of diced jalapeños, or serve with hot sauce on the side!
What’s the best way to make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or seasoned lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of water for a fully vegetarian Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes! You can layer everything in the baking dish (without the cheese), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions as written.
How do I prevent the cheese from over-browning?
The cheese goes on during the last 10 minutes of baking, so it has plenty of time to melt and bubble without becoming too crispy or dark. If you prefer it extra gooey, feel free to tent it loosely with foil as it finishes baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to serve up a big helping of tradition and comfort, Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the answer. It’s deeply satisfying, always reliable, and guaranteed to spark smiles at the table. I can’t wait for this casserole to become a new favorite in your home, so dig in, share with your loved ones, and savor the simple joy of homemade southern cooking!
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese for a delicious meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients in the specified order, starting with uncooked rice and ending with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For added spice, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
