Name: Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled; 2 large onions, sliced and rings separated; 2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, as needed

Description

A comforting Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes, lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers layered and baked to perfection. This hearty dish is seasoned simply with kosher salt and black pepper, making it a perfect family meal that’s rich in flavor and satisfying in texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients

3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for slow baking the casserole.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Layer the Potatoes: Start by arranging a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes lightly with olive oil to add moisture and enhance browning.
Add the Ground Beef: Spread a layer of the browned and crumbled lean ground beef over the potatoes, distributing it evenly for a balanced flavor in each bite.
Layer the Onions: Next, add a layer of sliced onion rings over the beef to provide sweetness and texture.
Layer the Tomatoes: Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or evenly spread the canned diced tomatoes over the onions, contributing juiciness and acidity.
Top with Bell Peppers: Sprinkle the chopped green bell peppers on top to add a crisp, fresh element and vibrant color.
Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer as you assemble them to enhance the flavors uniformly.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all layers to cook through and meld together beautifully.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This rest time helps the layers to set for easier slicing and a more enjoyable eating experience. Enjoy your delicious, hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole!

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all ingredients including ground beef and cooking spray are certified gluten-free.
Use a gluten-free butter substitute or cooking spray when greasing the baking dish to avoid gluten contamination.
This casserole can be prepped the day before; just assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
For a richer flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with garlic powder or smoked paprika when browning.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.