When it comes to comforting family favorites, the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole absolutely takes the cake. This old-school, crowd-pleasing bake brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and loads of melty cheddar in stunning layers. Each bite is a hearty spoonful of Southern soul, with that irresistible, cheesy crust on top and all the rich flavors mingling below. Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crowd or bringing a hit to a potluck, this is one casserole that always comes out of the oven bubbling and beautiful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole are wonderfully simple but each one has its own starring role. From juicy ground beef to the creamy melted cheddar, every layer delivers flavor and texture that work together to create pure comfort on a plate.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the casserole; choose 80/20 for flavor, or swap for turkey for a lighter spin.
- Chopped onion (1 small): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the savory beef layer.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Lends wonderful aroma and an easy punch of garlicky goodness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little touch of heat to round things out.
- Long grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Forms the tender, starchy base that soaks up all the fantastic juices.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5-ounce can): Brings a pop of color and tang, plus extra moisture to cook the rice.
- Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Enriches that tomatoey layer and blends the flavors seamlessly.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps the rice cook up perfectly soft and fluffy.
- Frozen corn (1 1/2 cups): Gives the dish a touch of natural sweetness and signature yellow-speckled appearance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The melty, bubbly topping that seals in all the savory goodness.
How to Make Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, which keeps the casserole from sticking and helps those crispy cheese edges form (arguably the best part).
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Grab your favorite skillet and cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the meat is deeply browned and the onions are tender. As the aroma fills your kitchen, drain off any excess fat, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so those flavors soak right in.
Step 3: Build the First Layer: Rice
Scatter the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer will absorb all the savory juices as it cooks, creating a delightful, tender base that holds all the good stuff above.
Step 4: Add the Beef Mixture
Spoon the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture over the rice. Spread it out with your spatula so every bite gets a bit of rich, flavorful meat.
Step 5: Layer the Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour the undrained diced tomatoes right over the beef. Follow with the tomato sauce, drizzling it evenly so the layers begin to mingle. These ingredients not only amp up that classic Southern tang but provide just the right amount of liquid for the rice.
Step 6: Corn and Water Layers
Next comes the frozen corn—just sprinkle it all over as the sweet, sunny fourth layer. Then, pour the water evenly over the top, which ensures your rice will steam to perfection.
Step 7: Time for Cheese
And now, the grand finale: pile on the shredded cheddar cheese. It forms a gorgeous, golden, gooey crust on top while sealing in the moisture below.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 60 minutes. This slow bake lets the rice swell and the flavors snuggle up together. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown in places, and the rice is fully cooked. Let the casserole rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely.
How to Serve Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
For a little something extra on top of your Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole, try a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness. Some folks like a few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of cool sour cream per serving to brighten those deep, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with flaky buttermilk biscuits, a crisp green salad, or braised greens for a truly Southern spread. The hearty, creamy casserole loves simple sides that balance its richness and round out your table beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style straight from the baking dish, or cut generous squares and plate with a swoop of sour cream and sprinkle of chives for a little bistro flair. Mini casseroles work well for individual portions at parties or potlucks—just bake in muffin tins or ramekins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers tasting their best, let the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors are even better the next day after they’ve had time to meld.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly and perfect for batch cooking. After baking, let it cool, slice into portions, and wrap tightly in foil or airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months, making it a lifesaver meal for busy weeks ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed, then cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also zap individual servings in the microwave, but a quick oven finish brings back that irresistible cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid. Increase the baking time by about 15 to 20 minutes and check the rice for doneness before serving.
What’s the best way to add extra vegetables?
Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the beef, or mix spinach into the tomato layer. The Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is flexible and welcomes nearly any veggie you have on hand.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without cheese), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Add the cheese just before baking, then cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Certainly—swap the cheddar for your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds, or leave out the cheese entirely. The casserole will still be delicious and hearty, with the meaty, tomato-rich layers shining through.
How can I make this a Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole with a spicy kick?
If you like it hot, add sliced jalapeños, a touch of cayenne, or a few teaspoons of chili powder to the beef as it cooks. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese mixed with cheddar also brings extra zing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole enough—it’s pure Southern comfort that brings smiles to any table. Give it a try and watch it disappear, one wholesome, cheesy scoop at a time. Happy cooking!
Print
Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Layers:
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread rice, beef mixture, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey as a leaner alternative.
- Enhance flavor with chili powder or smoked paprika.
- This casserole freezes well once cooled completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
