Name: Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 large onions, sliced and rings separated; 2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, as needed

Description

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, all baked together to develop rich flavors in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a satisfying layered bake.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
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

Seasoning & Oils

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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking and to help with even cooking.
Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then drizzle lightly with olive oil to help them roast and prevent drying out.
Add the Ground Beef: Spread a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground beef over the potatoes for a rich, savory base layer of protein.
Layer the Onions: Distribute the sliced onion rings evenly on top of the beef to add sweetness and texture.
Add the Tomatoes: Place a layer of sliced fresh tomatoes or spread canned diced tomatoes evenly over the onions to add moisture and flavor.
Top with Bell Peppers: Sprinkle the chopped green bell peppers evenly over the tomatoes to add color and a mild crunch.
Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer as you build the casserole to ensure balanced seasoning throughout.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all layers to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This resting step helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve your delicious, hearty casserole.

Notes

Use thin potato slices to ensure they cook thoroughly during the baking time.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Covering with foil during baking helps keep the layers moist and tender.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, including adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.