If you’re in the mood for a comforting, down-home meal, this Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a must-try. Featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet onions, juicy tomatoes, and green bell peppers, this casserole is a hearty and wholesome meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers satisfying results every time. It’s an ideal meal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 pound of lean ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced (or 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes)
- 1 ½ green bell peppers, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to your preference
- Olive oil, as needed
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the oven is heating, thinly slice the russet potatoes and separate the onion rings. If using fresh tomatoes, slice them thinly. If using canned diced tomatoes, drain them slightly to remove excess liquid.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole:
- First Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Second Layer: Spread the browned ground beef over the potatoes, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- Third Layer: Place the onion rings evenly over the beef layer, adding a savory sweetness to the casserole.
- Fourth Layer: Add the chopped green bell peppers on top of the onions for a bright, crisp texture.
- Fifth Layer: Finish by adding the sliced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) over the bell peppers. Season the top with a little more salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the top of the casserole with olive oil to help the vegetables roast and develop deeper flavors while baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil and allow the top to brown slightly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve the casserole warm with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying comfort food at its best, this casserole offers a hearty, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Its versatility and comforting flavors make it a go-to recipe for any occasion!