Name: Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced green bell pepper; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup water

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If you ever crave a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dinner classic with a Southern twist, the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a comfort food dream come true. This dish is a beautiful symphony of simple pantry staples like ground beef, rice, veggies, and melty cheddar, all baking up into five dazzling layers of flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a potluck favorite, this casserole brings families together, fills the house with irresistible aromas, and serves up a little taste of Southern hospitality in every forkful.

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is just as fuss-free as it is delicious! Each one plays a special role—the beef adds richness, the rice brings pure comfort, and the veggies brighten things up. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ground Beef: Rich, savory, and filling—the base that gives the casserole its signature heartiness.
Uncooked White Rice: The humble hero, soaking up all the juices and flavors as it bakes.
Diced Onion: Brings mellow sweetness and depth after baking—don’t skip it!
Diced Green Bell Pepper: Adds a vibrant pop of color and an irresistible Southern crunch.
Canned Corn: Offers sweetness and tiny bursts of texture in every bite.
Tomato Sauce: Ties every layer together, adding tang, moisture, and a gorgeous topping.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The golden, bubbly crown—don’t be shy with it!
Salt: Essential for bringing out the star flavors of beef and veggies.
Black Pepper: A touch of warmth and bite that balances all the layers.
Garlic Powder: Lends a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
Paprika: Infuses smoky undertones and a hint of rosy color.
Water: Hydrates the rice and helps meld all the flavors as they bake.

How to Make Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps everything release beautifully after baking and makes cleanup a breeze. As you gather your ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easy this Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole recipe comes together.

Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Beef

In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s just no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting soggy. Then, stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure every crumb of beef gets well coated—these classic Southern spices are what give your casserole its unforgettable flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Begin by sprinkling the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef right over the rice, spreading it out for full coverage. Continue layering with the diced onions and green bell peppers, followed by a generous sprinkle of corn. Finally, pour the tomato sauce evenly over the entire top—watch as all five layers come together in true Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole style.

Step 4: Add Water and Bake

Carefully pour the cup of water over the assembled casserole, making sure it seeps throughout for even rice cooking. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 60 to 65 minutes, until the rice is perfectly tender and all the flavors have mingled.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and generously scatter the shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Pop it back in, uncovered, for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer of goodness that signals the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is ready for the table. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to serve.

How to Serve Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions makes this dish pop with color and freshness. If you love heat, don’t hesitate to dash on some hot sauce or slice a few jalapeños over the top of your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole before serving.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or a big scoop of creamy coleslaw always pair beautifully, balancing out the cozy richness of the casserole. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits, classic cornbread, or even a simple skillet of sautéed greens turn this meal into a true Southern feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole into neat squares for lunchboxes, layer it in mason jars for a portable picnic, or even scoop it over baked potatoes for something fun and unexpected. Individual ramekins make a charming presentation for supper guests, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole keeps incredibly well! Simply cover the cooled dish or transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, making for some truly tasty next-day lunches.

Freezing

This casserole is fantastic for freezing—just assemble all the layers (skip baking and cheese), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, then add the cheese at the end as usual. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or welcoming guests.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. For quick single servings, a minute or two in the microwave works wonderfully—just keep an eye on it, so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid. If you try it, add about 1/4 cup more water and increase baking time by 10 to 15 minutes, checking for tenderness before adding the cheese topping.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

For more kick, swap in pepper jack cheese, toss in chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers, or stir a little cayenne into the ground beef when browning. Top with your favorite hot sauce at the table, too!

Do I need to cook the rice before layering?

Nope, that’s the beauty of this Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole! The rice cooks right in the oven as everything bakes together, soaking up all that hearty flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent a mushy casserole?

Use long-grain white rice and be sure to drain your canned corn thoroughly. Letting the casserole rest a few minutes once out of the oven also helps everything set for tidy serving.

Can I make this casserole ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Assemble the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole (without the cheese) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed and finish with the cheese just before serving for a gooey, melty top.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole enough—it’s trusty, classic, and brimming with old-fashioned comfort that never goes out of style. Go ahead and make it for your next family supper or sharing occasion; there’s nothing like seeing smiles around the table with every cheesy bite!

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese come together for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Layer:

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

Rice Layer:

1 cup uncooked white rice

Vegetable Layer:

1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper

Additional Layers:

1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup water

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess grease, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Layer Ingredients: 1. Spread uncooked rice evenly in the dish. 2. Add seasoned ground beef. 3. Layer diced onions and green bell peppers. 4. Add corn. 5. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
Bake: Pour water over the casserole, cover with foil, bake for 60–65 minutes until rice is cooked. Uncover, sprinkle cheddar cheese, bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes.
Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.