There’s just something undeniably comforting about sharing a dish that’s been a staple at countless church potlucks and family reunions. The Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is a scrumptious all-in-one meal, packed with flavor and nostalgia. With just a handful of classic pantry ingredients, this hearty casserole layers savory beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese into a weeknight winner. If you love meals that are greater than the sum of their parts, you’re in for a treat.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple lineup fool you—every ingredient in this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe has a delicious purpose. From the juicy tomatoes to the sharp cheddar, these familiar favorites team up to make magic in your baking dish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips for best results.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Go for lean beef for less grease, but even an 80/20 blend will keep things moist and flavorful.
Uncooked White Rice (1 cup): Regular long-grain works perfectly, and it soaks up all the savory juices as it cooks.
Canned Corn (15 oz, drained): Sweet, juicy bursts throughout the casserole; feel free to use frozen (thawed) or fresh when in season.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juices): The tomatoes and their liquid add tang and help the rice cook up perfectly tender.
Small Onion (diced): Onion rounds out the flavor and adds just the right bit of aromatic punch.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together; feel free to adjust for your taste.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): A little warmth balances the sweetness and brings depth to the casserole.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle savoriness that beautifully complements the beef.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Melty, gooey, and sharp—cheddar is the crowning glory of this dish.
Water or Beef Broth (1½ cups): Liquid is crucial to plump the rice and keep every bite moist; beef broth lends extra richness.
Cooking Spray or Butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze; you only need a little.

How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives you plenty of time to get everything assembled while the temperature evens out. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure the casserole releases smoothly and to add a touch of richness at the base.

Step 2: Build the First Layer—Rice

Evenly spread the uncooked white rice across the bottom of your prepared dish. This layer will soak up the all the juices and flavor as it bakes, transforming into plump, savory grains that hold everything together.

Step 3: Add the Corn Layer

Pour the drained corn over the rice and spread it out evenly. The corn not only brightens each bite with its sweet pop, but it also adds a cheerful yellow layer that’s as delicious as it is inviting.

Step 4: Create the Beef Layer

Take your uncooked ground beef and gently crumble or spread it evenly right on top of the corn. Then, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to thoroughly season the meat. These aromatics permeate every layer as the casserole bakes.

Step 5: Onion and Tomato Layers

Scatter the diced onion evenly over the beef—this will both flavor the meat and give your casserole a tasty edge. Now, pour the entire can of diced tomatoes (with all their juices) across the top, ensuring they’re distributed all over so they can seep down and flavor everything from the rice up.

Step 6: Add Broth and Bake

Carefully pour the water or beef broth around the edges and over the top of the casserole so the liquid filters through every layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam, then bake for 1 hour. This ensures the rice cooks fully and all the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking

After an hour of baking, remove the foil. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the bubbling surface, then return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) for 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese should melt into an irresistibly golden, gooey topping.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once you pull it from the oven, let the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle just enough to slice and serve, revealing those beautiful, distinct layers on your plate.

How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of color and extra flavor, sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions just before serving. A dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or even a few pickled jalapeños can make every bite of the casserole feel like your own personal creation.

Side Dishes

The Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is pretty much a complete meal in itself, but dishes like a garden salad, skillet cornbread, or sautéed green beans add freshness and balance to your plate. For a true Southern feast, serve with sweet tea!

Creative Ways to Present

To make it extra special for company or a potluck, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for presentation, or cut it into clean squares for a buffet. You can also top each serving with colorful diced tomatoes or avocados for a festive touch that makes the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover casserole tightly and refrigerate within two hours of baking. The flavors will deepen as it rests, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—making it a dream for easy lunches or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

This hearty casserole freezes wonderfully! Just let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in an airtight freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to three months, and you can prepare extra batches ahead for busy weeks or last-minute guests.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, or cover a larger portion with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the casserole seems a bit dry, splash on a little beef broth before reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute brown rice in the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid. Parboil it for the best results, or check for doneness and add more broth as needed during baking.

What kind of ground beef works best?

Leaner ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) is ideal since you won’t need to drain fat between layers, but any kind you have on hand will work. Just account for a little more moisture if using a higher-fat blend.

How do I make the casserole spicier?

To add a little kick, mix in diced green chilies, chopped jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne with the beef layer. You can also swap in pepper jack cheese for an extra zingy finish.

Can I prepare the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole (without baking) the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Simply swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the beloved layers and cozy Southern casserole vibes, meat-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to gather your loved ones around the table and share the comfort, flavor, and simplicity of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks happy memories, and delivers pure Southern warmth with every bite!

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The layers of beef, rice, corn, and cheese meld together to create a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Layer:

1 pound ground beef

Rice Layer:

1 cup uncooked white rice

Corn Layer:

1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)

Tomato Layer:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

Onion Layer:

1 small onion (diced)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese Layer:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid Layer:

1 ½ cups water or beef broth

Greasing:

cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layering: Spread the uncooked rice in the dish, then layer with corn, ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, diced onion, and diced tomatoes. Pour water or beef broth over the layers.
Baking: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.