This Hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting dish packed with flavor! Layers of tender beef, cheesy goodness, and savory veggies make it a family favorite.
You won’t believe how satisfying this casserole is! It always makes my kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious!
I love serving it with a simple side salad. It’s an easy way to balance out the meal and add some crunch! Give it a try next time you want a cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is key for a hearty flavor. If you want a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian alternatives include lentils or black soybeans for a protein-rich twist.
Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. Fresh tomatoes work well too—just adjust the cooking time. For a bit more kick, try using spicy fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Corn Kernels: Canned corn is easy and sweet, but frozen corn can also provide freshness. If you prefer, switch it out for peas or bell peppers.
Beans: Black beans are a staple here, but feel free to use kidney beans or pinto beans based on your preference or what’s on hand.
Cheese: I suggest cheddar and mozzarella for that beautiful melt. Alternatively, Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a unique flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How Do I Layer the Casserole for the Best Flavor?
Layering is crucial for distributing flavors evenly. Here’s how to build your casserole:
- Start with a base of cooked rice; this helps soak up flavors and provides a great foundation.
- Spread your seasoned beef layer on top of the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- Then, add your mixture of diced tomatoes, corn, and beans. This keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Finally, finish with generous layers of cheese. This creates a delicious topping that becomes melty and golden in the oven!
Remember to cover with foil during the first part of baking to keep everything moist, and remove it the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese!
Hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions!
3. Add Garlic and Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
4. Season the Beef:
Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it well to ensure the beef is flavorful.
5. Prepare the Veggie Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, sour cream, and salsa. Give it a good stir and set aside so that flavors can meld together.
6. Build Your Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly spread the cooked rice as the bottom layer. Next, layer the seasoned beef right on top of the rice.
7. Add the Veggies:
Spread the tomato, corn, and bean mixture over the beef layer. This makes for a delicious and colorful addition!
8. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the veggie mixture. Then, top it off with the remaining cheddar and the mozzarella for that cheesy finish.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will help keep everything moist. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Final Touches:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if you like.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, and enjoy the hearty goodness of your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole!
FAQ About Hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian version. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed, as different meats may vary in cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds a similar tangy flavor. You can also use buttermilk or a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just assemble it (but don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the instructions.
