Few dishes say “comfort” quite like a bubbling Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole, its golden crust just waiting to be cracked with a big, eager spoon. This recipe brings simple pantry staples together into a symphony of flavors: deeply seasoned beef, tender rice, sweet onions and peppers, tangy tomatoes, and that glorious blanket of cheddar cheese on top. Each layer has its moment in the spotlight, melding together in true Southern style for a satisfying, hearty family dinner that’s as friendly to make on a weeknight as it is impressive on a Sunday after church.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on familiar ingredients that each bring their own charm to the table. The result is a meal where every layer counts, and every bite tastes like a little Southern hospitality.
- Ground beef: The main star, adding savory richness and heartiness to every forkful.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and drawing out the flavors of the veggies.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right kick to wake up the dish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and absorbs all those tasty juices as it bakes.
- Yellow onion (sliced): Brings sweetness and a soft bite to balance the heartier layers.
- Green bell pepper (sliced): Offers color, crunch, and a mild pepper flavor that brightens each layer.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): The juice helps the rice cook, and the tomatoes add tangy pops of flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Gives body and a smooth, old-fashioned tomato richness to the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket you’ll want on every bite.
- Olive oil: For browning the beef and bringing out the aromatics in the seasonings.
- Dried oregano: A classic Southern touch that ties the tomato and beef layers together.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smoky color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for freshness and a cheerful pop of green.
How to Make Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole will cook evenly right from the start, so you end up with perfectly tender rice and bubbling, cheesy goodness at the finish line.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Place a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. Cook until everything is fully browned and wonderfully fragrant. If there’s too much fat in the pan, drain off the excess to keep your casserole light yet flavorful.
Step 3: Build Those Famous Layers
Now for the fun part: assembly! In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked long-grain rice in an even layer on the very bottom. Top the rice with a generous layer of sliced onions, followed by an even layer of sliced green bell peppers. Spoon your cooked and seasoned beef carefully over the peppers so every bite gets some of that savory goodness.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Sauce
Crack open your can of diced tomatoes—juice and all—and pour it gently over the beef layer. Next, drizzle the tomato sauce evenly on top. This double dose of tomato not only adds flavor but also helps the rice bake to tender, fluffy perfection.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The rice will soak up the tomatoey goodness, the veggies will soften, and the whole casserole will start smelling downright irresistible.
Step 6: Make It Cheesy and Golden
Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese all over that steamy top, and return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt and form a bubbly, golden crust that’s just begging for that first big scoop.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
When the cheese is bubbling and just starting to brown in spots, pull the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve neat squares. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color if you like. Now, your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is ready to be the star of your dinner table!
How to Serve Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up each serving, but you can also try a dollop of sour cream, a dash of hot sauce, or even a few sliced green onions if you’d like a little zing and color. Each garnish brings a new note to the warm, homey flavors of your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is truly the main event, but it loves a supporting cast! Pair it with simple sides like steamed green beans, buttered corn, or a leafy Southern-style salad. Warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits also go perfectly, ready to mop up every bit of saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feel, serve the casserole straight from the dish at the table so everyone can dig in. For a special touch, cut it into neat squares and plate individually, maybe with extra cheese and a parsley sprig. Or, spoon portions into ramekins for cute, single-serving presentations at potlucks and parties—everyone loves their own little Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen, making your next meal even tastier! Reheat just what you need—this casserole holds up beautifully for lunches and next-day dinners.
Freezing
For a super-convenient meal prep option, assemble your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole up to the point just before baking. Cover tightly with several layers of foil or plastic wrap and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish and reheat in a 350°F oven until piping hot. You can add a splash of broth or tomato sauce if it looks a bit dry—this refreshes the rice and makes everything taste just-baked again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice gives a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but it does need more liquid and a little more time—add an extra 1/4 cup of broth or water and bake a bit longer until the rice is tender.
Does the rice really cook through, even though it starts out raw?
Yes! As long as you use uncooked long-grain rice and keep the casserole tightly covered for most of the bake, the steam from the tomatoes and sauce cooks the rice to perfection right in the oven. No pre-cooking needed.
Can I make this in advance for a party?
Definitely—a Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is party-perfect. Assemble it ahead and refrigerate, then just pop into the oven an hour or so before serving. It feeds a crowd and always gets rave reviews.
What protein swaps work in this casserole?
If you’d like to change things up, lean ground turkey or chicken work well. You can also try plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian twist—the flavor will still be wonderful.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for bubbling sauce at the edges and fork-tender rice beneath the beef. The cheese should be fully melted and starting to turn golden. If the rice needs a bit more time, cover and bake a few extra minutes, checking every 5 minutes or so.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of magic in the layers of Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole—something about the cozy blend of beef, veggies, and creamy cheese that brings people together with every warm, generous serving. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own family favorite, too!
Print
Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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 with olive oil and seasonings until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Layer ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer rice, onions, green peppers, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until rice is tender. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice but adjust baking time and liquid.
- This casserole freezes well — assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
