This Southern five-layer beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with seasoned beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy potatoes. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered Perfection – Each bite has tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese.
- Great for Families – A filling meal that serves six and is loved by both kids and adults.
- Easy to Prepare – Simple layering and baking make this a hassle-free dinner option.
- Classic Comfort Food – A warm, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for cozy nights.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Small onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce – Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole – Place half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture, then top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.
- Rest & Serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Meat Swap – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Creamier Texture – Mix in a bit of heavy cream or extra cheese for an even richer dish.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils for a meat-free version.
- Crunchy Topping – Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crispy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
No, thinly slicing them ensures they cook through in the oven.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use chopped fresh tomatoes with a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor.
How do I make it less rich?
Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a lighter sauce.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The ingredients are mostly gluten-free, but check the soup label or use a homemade version to be sure.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini would be great additions.
How do I get the cheese extra golden?
Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, and comfort food cravings. With its rich layers of beef, cheese, and potatoes, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, hearty bite of Southern goodness!
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Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy potatoes. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this hearty and satisfying dish is easy to make and full of rich flavors.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Casserole Layers:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Layer the Casserole
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
- Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with sour cream and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
