If you love comfort food that bursts with flavor and brings everyone to the table, you absolutely must try a hearty serving of Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. This much-loved dish layers juicy ground beef, tender rice, bright corn, tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese for a one-pan masterpiece that’s pure down-home goodness. With every bite, you get a perfect mix of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors—the best kind of Southern classic, and destined to become a family favorite for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about this casserole is how easy it is to pull together, using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding texture, depth of flavor, or a pop of vibrant color—no ingredient is there just for show!
- 1 lb ground beef: Use 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful base; you can substitute turkey or sausage if you prefer a twist.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory aroma as it caramelizes with the beef.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Goes right in uncooked, absorbing flavors as it bakes to tender perfection.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides tang, brightness, and essential moisture to bind the layers.
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn: Sweet pops of color and crunch that hold up under the heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The irresistible, gooey topping that brings everything together.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Liquid gold that infuses every layer with rich, meaty depth as it cooks the rice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle, savory kick that rounds out the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky undertones and a hint of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you wish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat and peppery edge to balance the other spices.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green freshness for a finishing touch.
How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing—just enough so nothing sticks. This little step means serving and cleanup will be a breeze, even if cheese bubbles over the edges!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook your ground beef and diced onion together. Break up the beef as it browns and let the onion soften and release its sweetness. When the beef is mostly cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper so the seasonings infuse the meat. If there’s excess grease, drain it off for a lighter casserole.
Step 3: Build the Layers
Now, for the fun part—assembling those classic layers! First, spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, spoon the seasoned beef and onion mixture on top. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices—they matter!) over the beef. Evenly scatter the frozen corn for a sunny burst of color. Last, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top—don’t be shy here!
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake
Carefully pour the beef broth evenly over the entire casserole. This step is important: the broth soaks through, ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy and flavorful, and melds all those delicious layers. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, letting the magic happen undisturbed.
Step 5: Uncover, Finish, and Rest
After the hour is up, yank off the foil (careful—it’s steamy!), and continue baking for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and golden, and the rice perfectly tender. Let your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before you serve; this lets everything settle and makes it easier to slice into nice squares. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A classic finish is a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, which adds a pop of green and a hit of freshness. If you want a little kick, scatter some thinly sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce over the top, right before serving. The cheese will catch the seasonings and help every bite sing!
Side Dishes
Pair your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole with cornbread, buttery biscuits, or a crisp green salad to lighten things up. Roasted green beans or sautéed okra are classic Southern sidekicks that round out the plate and soak up every bit of juicy flavor!
Creative Ways to Present
To change things up, you can scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties, or serve it over a bed of fresh greens for a rustic, layered salad bowl. For potlucks or gatherings, present the casserole in the baking dish straight from the oven—just add a pretty serving spoon and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well, keeping both the rice and cheese luscious and satisfying.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, cut it into portions so you can grab a serving or two at a time. Wrap tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place an individual serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in the microwave until warmed through, about 2–3 minutes. For larger portions, cover a baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What’s the best way to check if the rice is cooked?
After baking, use a fork to gently fluff a corner of the casserole. The rice should be tender but not mushy. If it’s still a bit firm, recover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, adding a splash more broth if needed.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or even black beans can be layered in for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful not to overload the dish, as there’s only so much space for all that goodness.
Is Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole spicy?
The base recipe is mild, perfect for kids and spice-sensitive eaters. Want more heat? Simply add a pinch of cayenne or top with hot sauce at the table.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid, so it’s best to par-cook it before layering. If you love the hearty texture of brown rice, try cooking it halfway, then proceed as directed for a reliably tender casserole.
Final Thoughts
When you crave something cozy yet easy, Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole always delivers. It’s comforting, unfussy, and truly crowd-pleasing—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again for any occasion that calls for warmth and good food!
Print
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, corn, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Layer Casserole: Spread uncooked rice on the bottom, then add beef mixture, diced tomatoes, corn, and cheddar cheese. Pour beef broth over the dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly. Let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage.
- Add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
