Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal that combines the goodness of russet potatoes, lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings. The layers meld together beautifully as they bake, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is filling. With its straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
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3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
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2 large onions, sliced with rings separated
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2 large tomatoes, sliced (or 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes)
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1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Meat:
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1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
Seasonings & Oil:
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Olive oil, as needed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking and to help with even cooking.
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Layer the Ingredients:
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Begin by placing a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes lightly with olive oil to help them cook and add flavor.
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Add a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground beef.
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Next, layer the sliced onions over the beef, followed by the sliced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes).
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Finally, top with chopped green bell peppers for a pop of color and freshness.
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Season Each Layer: As you layer each ingredient, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and meat.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and cook the ingredients through. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all layers to meld and soften beautifully.
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Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-Free: Make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the ground beef, as some may contain additives with gluten. You can also use gluten-free cooking spray or a butter substitute.
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Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, brown the ground beef with some onion or garlic before layering.
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Vegetable Variations: You can substitute the green bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh, thinly sliced russet potatoes work best in this recipe, but if you use frozen potatoes, be sure to thaw and drain them before layering.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Yes, you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the layers for a little kick if you like a spicy dish.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
For a cheesy version, you can sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish.
Conclusion
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh vegetables creates a well-balanced, hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of tender russet potatoes, savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor. Baked to perfection, it’s a satisfying and filling meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 large onions, sliced with rings separated
2 large tomatoes, sliced (or 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes)
1 ½ green bell peppers, chopped
Meat:
1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
Seasonings & Oil:
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start by layering the thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the dish, drizzling lightly with olive oil.
- Add a layer of browned, crumbled ground beef.
- Follow with a layer of sliced onions, then sliced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes).
- Top with the chopped green bell peppers.
- Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper between each layer for enhanced flavor.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours to allow all layers to meld together and soften.
- Serve: After baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially the ground beef, are certified gluten-free. You can use a gluten-free cooking spray or butter substitute if necessary.
- Extra Flavor: Brown the ground beef with onion or garlic for added depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Try substituting green bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
