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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 130 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty Southern-inspired five-layer beef casserole featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes, lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 large onions, sliced and separated into rings
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced or 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped

Meat

  • 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled

Seasonings & Oils

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Begin with a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes spread evenly at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
  4. Add the Beef Layer: Add a layer of the browned and crumbled lean ground beef over the potatoes, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Add Onion Layer: Spread a layer of sliced onion rings on top of the beef.
  6. Add Tomato Layer: Cover the onions with a layer of sliced fresh tomatoes or evenly spread canned diced tomatoes.
  7. Add Bell Pepper Layer: Top the tomatoes with chopped green bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
  8. Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer to taste to build a balanced seasoning throughout the casserole.
  9. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all layers to cook thoroughly and flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Southern five-layer beef casserole!

Notes

  • To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, particularly ground beef and cooking spray, are certified gluten-free.
  • When greasing the baking dish, use a gluten-free cooking spray or a butter substitute labeled gluten-free.
  • This dish can also be prepared with fresh tomatoes in season for a fresher taste or canned tomatoes for convenience.
  • Use lean ground beef to keep the casserole lower in fat content while maintaining rich flavor.