Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings a homestyle touch straight to your dinner table, then the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This casserole layers tender, seasoned ground beef with creamy potatoes, rich cheeses, and a flavorful tomato-mushroom sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, blending savory flavors and textures that hug you like a warm southern kitchen on a cool evening. Trust me, once you try this, it will be a staple on your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonderful thing about the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, combining to create layers of rich flavor and satisfying texture that make every bite sing. From the juicy ground beef to the creamy sour cream topping, every element adds its own magic.

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat content, which keeps the casserole moist.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that enhances the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a punch of savory depth throughout the dish.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and softens the onions without overpowering the flavors.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy base that holds the layers together beautifully.
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a slight tang and a mild kick of heat, brightening the dish.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the individual flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle spiciness, balancing richness.
• ½ tsp paprika: Offers subtle smoky warmth and enhances color.
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The heart of the casserole, giving soft, creamy layers that soak up the savory juices.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to create irresistible, gooey layers.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy finish on top that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key because getting the oven ready early ensures even cooking when your casserole goes in. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this keeps the layers from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Brown Your Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil before adding the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook this until the meat is nicely browned and fragrant, and the onions have softened. This first layer of cooking builds the foundational flavor that makes the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe so crave-worthy. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat so your casserole doesn’t turn greasy.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Meat Sauce

Once the beef is browned, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Simply let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld all those comforting flavors together. This sauce is what pulls the layers into one harmonious casserole.

Step 4: Layering Begins with Potatoes

Spread half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a starchy bed for the beef mixture to rest on. The potatoes create a tender base while soaking up the delicious juices throughout baking.

Step 5: Add the First Beef and Cheese Layers

Over the potato layer, spread half of the beef sauce evenly. Then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt and ooze into every crevice during baking, adding a delightful cheesy richness to the casserole.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Add the remaining slices of potatoes on top, then the rest of the beef mixture, and finish by topping with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. These alternating layers build the hearty structure and flavors that define a classic Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to combine without drying out. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step melts the cheese perfectly and gives it a golden, bubbly crust that looks as irresistible as it tastes.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This brief wait helps it set, making it easier to serve while the flavors continue to deepen. Just before serving, add generous dollops of sour cream and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—this finishing touch brightens the rich layers and gives the dish that iconic southern charm.

How to Serve Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the go-to choice for garnish because it adds a lively green color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the richness of the casserole. The sour cream topping isn’t just beautiful—it offers a cool, tangy flavor contrast that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can absolutely serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or some steamed green beans for a fresh, crunchy counterpoint. Cornbread or a crusty baguette also make wonderful accompaniments to mop up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a thoughtful gathering, serve the casserole family-style in the dish with garnishes arranged beautifully on top. Alternatively, portion individual servings into small ramekins and garnish each with a sprig of parsley and a swirl of sour cream for an elegant presentation that impresses without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for maximum flavor and freshness. Just make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option! After assembling but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved on medium power, but oven reheating helps preserve the delicious texture and cheesy topping.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant color to this dish. Just slice them thinly like regular potatoes and layer as usual. The flavors pair wonderfully with the beef and cheese.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup substitute to keep the cozy texture and rich flavor intact.

What type of cheddar cheese works best for this casserole?

A sharp or medium cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a nice tang to contrast the creamy and savory layers. You can experiment with smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor or even a blend of cheeses for extra richness.

Can I prepare this casserole earlier in the day?

Definitely! You can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly. This makes it ideal for busy days or entertaining.

How can I make the top extra crispy?

For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking and switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This browns the cheese perfectly for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up the Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe is like bringing a little bit of Southern hospitality into your kitchen. The balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory layers wrapped around tender potatoes is pure comfort in every forkful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. It’s warm, welcoming, and irresistibly tasty, exactly what good food should be.

Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

---

3.9 from 90 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that layers seasoned ground beef with creamy mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and thinly sliced potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an ideal family meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Layers and Toppings

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
3. Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors well, then remove from heat.
4. Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the first starchy layer of the casserole.
5. Add First Beef Layer: Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potato layer to form the second layer.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture for a rich, cheesy layer.
7. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes over the cheese layer, followed by the rest of the beef mixture spread evenly on top.
8. Top with Cheese: Finish layering by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the second beef layer.
9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through.
10. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the potatoes are tender.
11. Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking; this allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
12. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, tangy finish and added freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
• For a spicier dish, add additional chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure even and complete cooking during baking.
• Letting the casserole rest helps the layers set, improving sliceability and flavor meld.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American