Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. With layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a delicious, filling meal. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and ideas for customizing it to your taste!

this Recipe

---

What is a Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole?

A Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that features five distinct layers: seasoned ground beef, vegetables, creamy sauce, starchy potatoes or rice, and a top layer of melted cheese. This dish is often made with simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or serving a family. The layers meld together during baking, creating a rich and satisfying casserole that’s bursting with Southern flavors.

---

Ingredients List for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting casserole. This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or your choice)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced) or 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

---

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is that it’s highly adaptable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions and variations you might want to try:

• Meat Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.
• Vegetables: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Fresh or frozen options like bell peppers, green beans, zucchini, or spinach work well.
• Cheese Options: Cheddar is classic, but you can use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
• Potato Alternatives: If you want a lower-carb option, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets or use cooked rice as the starchy layer.
• Creamy Sauce: Instead of using canned soup, you can make your own homemade cream sauce by combining heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and seasonings.

These variations allow you to tailor the casserole to fit your taste or dietary needs while keeping the essence of the dish intact.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on this delicious Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, satisfying meal that your family will love.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme or oregano.

Once the beef mixture is fully cooked and seasoned, remove it from heat and stir in the drained diced tomatoes. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes or Rice

If you’re using potatoes, peel them and slice them thinly (about ⅛-inch thick) using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Arrange the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

If you’re using cooked rice, spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish instead of the potatoes.

Step 4: Add the Beef Layer

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes or rice, making sure the layer is uniform.

Step 5: Layer the Vegetables

Next, spread the frozen mixed vegetables over the beef layer. You can use a combination of peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or whatever vegetables you have on hand. No need to thaw the frozen veggies first—they will cook in the oven.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the vegetables and beef. The sauce will seep through the layers as the casserole bakes, adding creaminess and flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top. The cheese will melt and form a delicious golden crust as the casserole bakes.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the potatoes (if using) are tender.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not slicing the potatoes thin enough: If the potato slices are too thick, they may not cook through properly, resulting in undercooked potatoes. Slice them as thinly as possible (about ⅛-inch thick).
• Overloading the cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the casserole greasy or overwhelming. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced dish.
• Not covering the casserole: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking to allow the potatoes to cook through without the cheese burning.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty dish, but with a few presentation touches, it can look just as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Serve the casserole hot, scooping generous portions onto plates. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or cornbread for a complete Southern-style dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

• Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

---

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor to the casserole and pair beautifully with the ground beef and cheese.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use lentils or black beans as a protein substitute. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely! You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the casserole for more color and nutrition.

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh vegetables work just as well. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them slightly before adding them to the casserole.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This casserole pairs well with simple side dishes like green salad, steamed vegetables, or Southern favorites like cornbread or biscuits.

---

Conclusion

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the perfect combination of simple, hearty ingredients and rich, comforting flavors. With layers of tender potatoes or rice, seasoned beef, vegetables, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Southern-inspired meal!

Print