If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings all the heart and soul of Southern cooking right to your dinner table, the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is your new go-to dish. This crowd-pleasing casserole is a brilliant symphony of savory ground beef, fluffy white rice, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheddar, all layered into one glorious bake. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet feels like the sort of recipe your grandmother would pass down through generations. Whether you’re serving up supper for family or looking to impress friends at a potluck, you’ll fall in love with every layer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple but sensational—every ingredient here is a Southern casserole classic, and together, they create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Each one has a purpose: some add heartiness, others contribute bursts of sweetness or tang, and the cheese… well, no Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole would be complete without a decadent cheesy crown!
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The foundation of richness and savory flavor—choose 80/20 for the best juiciness.
- Cooked White Rice (2 cups): Fluffy, comforting, and a perfect bed for soaking up all the goodness.
- Canned Whole Kernel Corn (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Adds a sweet pop of color and balances the savory beef.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, with juice): Brings tang and moisture that helps the casserole bake up tender and juicy.
- Chopped Onion (1 cup): Sautéed until soft, it forms a flavorful base that enhances every bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups): The ultimate cheesy melt that binds the layers together.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of warmth.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A hint of earthy depth that rounds out the seasoning.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and color.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the onions and keeps the beef moist.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Optional, but beautiful and fresh when sprinkled on right before serving.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grabbing your biggest skillet. Warm the olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped onion, and cook until it’s translucent and sweet-smelling. Next, crumble in the ground beef and stir until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. Once there’s no pink left, season everything with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This aromatic mixture will form the flavorful heart of your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole.
Step 2: Prepare Your Casserole Dish
Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing—you definitely do not want any of that marvelous cheesy crust to stick! This will ensure each layer slides out beautifully when you serve up big spoonfuls later.
Step 3: Build the Five Hearty Layers
Now comes the fun part: layering! Start by spreading the cooked white rice evenly over the bottom of the dish, making a soft and sturdy base. Set the seasoned ground beef on top of the rice, creating a savory second layer. Next, scatter the corn for little pops of sweetness. Pour over the diced tomatoes, juice and all, so everything stays tender and flavorful. Finally, blanket the top with all that shredded cheddar cheese. This is what makes Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole irresistible!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for 25 minutes so everything melds together harmoniously. Then, remove the foil and let it bake another 10 minutes so the cheese becomes bubbly, golden, and just a bit crispy at the edges. That’s your signal it’s ready!
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Enjoy
Patience is a virtue—let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven. This brief pause allows everything to set up so your squares hold together. For a finishing flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. You’re now ready to enjoy the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole in all its glorious comfort.
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
Brighten up your casserole just before serving with a touch of chopped fresh parsley, or even sliced green onions if you love a burst of color and freshness. A few dashes of hot sauce on the side let each person dial up the flavor to their preference. The finishing garnishes bring a bit of garden-fresh brightness to the rich, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
The Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole shines when served alongside classic sides like a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or buttery cornbread. If you want to lean into comfort even further, pair it with mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw—these sides keep things traditional and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls before baking, creating personalized servings for your guests. You can also top each square with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chili flakes for color and a pop of flavor. However you serve it, the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole looks as welcoming as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge—just make sure it’s covered tightly or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for excellent next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then tightly wrap individual portions or the whole dish in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is one of those rare dishes that reheats like a dream!
Reheating
For perfectly warm leftovers, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or 5-10 minutes for individual servings. You can also microwave smaller portions—just be sure to cover so the cheese stays moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and a bit more texture, plus a hearty whole-grain boost. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before you start layering, as the baking time is designed for cooked grains.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the ground beef for a meatless crumbled substitute, or try a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. The rest of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole recipe stays exactly the same, and you’ll still get all those amazing layers.
What kind of cheese works best?
Classic sharp cheddar is unbeatable for that oozy melt and Southern flavor, but feel free to play with others like Monterey Jack or a Colby blend for an extra creamy finish.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. Simply assemble all five layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to your bake time if it’s starting out cold.
How can I make it a bit spicier?
For a little kick, stir chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce into the tomato layer, or sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top instead of cheddar. Customizing your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is part of the fun!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about digging into the warm, cheesy goodness of a homemade Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply craving comfort food, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try, share it with the people you love, and let every hearty bite bring a little more joy to your table!
Print
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, corn, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese come together for a delicious casserole that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Layer Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer rice, ground beef mixture, corn, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Use brown rice for a whole grain option.
- Add green chilies or hot sauce for a spicier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
