If you’re craving a meal that’s easy to make, full of hearty ingredients, and bursting with flavor, then this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the answer. This comforting dish combines layers of savory ground beef, tender russet potatoes, sweet onions, fresh tomatoes, and bell peppers, all seasoned with simple but bold flavors. Each layer brings its own unique texture and taste, making it a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal prep time, you can create a meal that feels homey and satisfying, yet doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. Plus, the layered approach allows you to customize each component to your liking. Whether you like a bit more spice, extra vegetables, or a meatier base, you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.

Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite

The Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is all about comfort. The combination of seasoned beef and tender vegetables creates a dish that is both filling and flavorful. Each bite gives you a taste of perfectly seasoned potatoes, hearty beef, and sweet bell peppers, with a balance of savory and slight tang from the tomatoes. It’s the perfect meal to warm up with on a cold night or to serve when you need something that’s both easy and satisfying.

The layers also offer great texture variety. You have soft, slightly crispy potatoes on the bottom, with the ground beef adding a savory, slightly rich flavor. The onions bring a sweet, caramelized touch, while the tomatoes and bell peppers add freshness and a bit of a bite.

This casserole is a one-pan meal, which makes clean-up a breeze. You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great recipe for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is sure to be a hit.

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What Makes This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole So Special?

This casserole stands out because of the layers of flavors and textures that come together seamlessly. The ground beef is browned and perfectly seasoned, giving the dish a rich, savory foundation. The potatoes, sliced thinly, absorb all the flavors from the beef and vegetables, making them tender and flavorful. The onions add sweetness, while the tomatoes and bell peppers bring brightness and a slight crunch.

The best part? You can make this casserole your own by adding extra ingredients or adjusting the seasonings. Want more spice? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Prefer a bit more richness? Top it off with shredded cheese or drizzle with a bit of cream before baking. The options are endless, but the result is always a delicious, comforting dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 19g
• Sodium: 600mg

This casserole offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal. While it’s hearty, the dish isn’t too heavy, thanks to the vegetables that lighten it up and add freshness. With real ingredients like lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, this casserole feels indulgent but is still packed with wholesome goodness.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a simple green salad, some crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking to keep it extra Southern, serve it with cornbread or biscuits.

For a heartier meal, you can also top the casserole with shredded cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt into the layers for an extra layer of gooey goodness. Or, serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the delicious juices.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking it, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Casseroles

Casseroles have been a part of American cooking for decades. The name “casserole” originally referred to the deep, wide dish in which the meal was cooked, but over time, it came to represent the meal itself. Traditionally, casseroles were an economical way to stretch ingredients and feed large families. Today, they’re beloved for their versatility and ease, making them a staple in many homes.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

If you love a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is perfect for you. The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender potatoes makes it a dish that’s filling and satisfying without being overly complicated. With simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you can whip up a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it in advance for a gathering, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe that your family will request time and time again.

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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
• 2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced (or 1 can diced tomatoes, 15 oz)
• 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. If using fresh tomatoes, slice them into thin rounds.
4. Assemble the casserole: Layer the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions and bell peppers. Add the ground beef, spreading it evenly over the vegetables. Layer the tomatoes (or diced tomatoes if using canned) over the beef, followed by the remaining onions and bell peppers.
5. Season and drizzle: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with additional salt and pepper.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is slightly browned.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Extra Tips:

• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For added flavor, try sautéing the onions and bell peppers before layering them in the casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its rich layers of flavor and comforting textures. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a dish for a special gathering, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!