If you're looking for a cozy, comforting, and satisfying dish that's perfect for feeding the whole family, this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is just what you need! Layered with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, creamy sauces, and topped with cheese and crispy potatoes, this casserole delivers big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Follow along as we break down the recipe step by step, with tips and variations to make it your own!
What is Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole?
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a savory, layered dish that features ground beef, vegetables, a creamy base, and a cheesy potato topping. Each layer brings its own distinct flavor and texture, making this casserole a well-rounded, hearty meal. The bottom layer is typically a seasoned ground beef mixture, followed by vegetables and a creamy sauce, all topped with cheesy mashed or sliced potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that combines Southern comfort food flavors into a single, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients List for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large russet potatoes, sliced thin or mashed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for mashed potatoes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Substitutions and Variations for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Here are some easy substitutions and variations to make this dish your own:
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Sweet potatoes: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or use lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
- Add more vegetables: Bulk up the casserole with additional veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Extra cheesy: Add extra shredded cheese between the layers or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Season the beef: Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Set aside.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: If using sliced potatoes, slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick). If you prefer mashed potatoes, boil and mash them with butter, salt, and pepper for a creamy texture.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish as the first layer.
- Second layer: Spread the mixed frozen vegetables evenly over the beef.
- Third layer: Spread the sour cream and soup mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Fourth layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy mixture.
- Fifth layer: Arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer over the top, or spread the mashed potatoes if you prefer.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling.
- Optional broil for crispy potatoes: For a crispy top, remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Cook Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then stir in diced tomatoes and seasonings.
- Prepare the creamy mixture of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup.
- Slice or mash potatoes depending on your preference.
- Layer the ingredients in a greased baking dish, starting with the beef mixture, then vegetables, followed by the creamy mixture, cheese, and topped with potatoes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, covered with foil.
- Broil for a crispy top if desired, then let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole comes out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not cooking the vegetables: Be sure to cook the onion, garlic, and bell pepper with the ground beef. This step helps release their flavors and ensures they are tender.
- Too thick potato slices: If using sliced potatoes, make sure they are thin enough to cook through in the oven. Thicker slices may not become tender, so slice them about ⅛ inch thick.
- Undercooking the beef: Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole. This ensures that the beef has enough time to absorb the flavors and prevents excess grease from pooling in the casserole.
- Skipping the broiling step: For a beautiful, crispy top layer, don’t forget to broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end. It gives the potatoes a nice golden-brown finish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this is a casual and hearty dish, you can still elevate the presentation:
- Garnish with fresh parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Bread on the side: Serve with warm dinner rolls or cornbread to make the meal even more satisfying.
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Here’s how you can serve this casserole to impress:
- Main dish: Serve this hearty casserole as a main course with a side of green vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad.
- Potluck favorite: This casserole is perfect for potlucks or large family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
- With warm bread: Pair with cornbread, biscuits, or garlic bread for a complete Southern-style meal.
Presentation Ideas for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
To make this casserole look even more appetizing, try these presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins: If you want to make the dish more elegant for a dinner party, portion the casserole into small oven-safe ramekins and bake individually.
- Use a cast iron skillet: Bake the casserole in a large cast iron skillet for a rustic, Southern-style presentation that goes straight from the oven to the table.
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are some tips to make your casserole even better:
- Use a mandolin for thin potato slices: If you’re slicing potatoes, use a mandolin to ensure uniform, thin slices that cook evenly.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the layers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use mashed potatoes instead of sliced potatoes?
A: Yes! You can use mashed potatoes for a creamier top layer. Simply boil, mash, and spread them over the casserole in place of sliced potatoes.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like green beans, spinach, mushrooms,
or zucchini to bulk up the casserole.
Q: How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, creamy sauces, and cheesy potato topping, this casserole offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the flavors of Southern comfort in every bite!
PrintSouthern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty, layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a potluck. Packed with flavor, it’s a Southern favorite that everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- White or brown rice (cooked)
- Green bell pepper (sliced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and green bell pepper, sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the cooked rice on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the rice as the second layer.
- Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the beef mixture as the third layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top as the fourth layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes for a golden cheese topping.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Serve with a side salad or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
Leave a Reply