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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful bake featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, all seasoned perfectly and baked to tender perfection. Ideal for a comforting family meal, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying layered casserole with a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 large onions, sliced and separated into rings
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced or 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped

Meat

  • 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled

Seasonings and Oils

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking of the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during cooking.
  3. Layer the Potatoes: Begin by spreading a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes to add flavor and prevent them from drying out while baking.
  4. Add the Beef Layer: Spread the browned and crumbled lean ground beef evenly over the potatoes layer to form the second layer.
  5. Add Onion Layer: Place a layer of sliced onion rings evenly on top of the beef to contribute sweetness and texture.
  6. Add Tomato Layer: Cover the onions with a layer of sliced fresh tomatoes or evenly spread canned diced tomatoes to add juiciness and acidity.
  7. Add Bell Pepper Layer: Top the tomatoes with chopped green bell peppers, providing a fresh, crisp texture and mild peppery flavor.
  8. Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer to develop a balanced and cohesive flavor in every bite.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. This long, slow baking allows all layers to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly so it can set for easier slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Southern classic.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can drizzle some shredded cheese on top before baking, though it’s optional.
  • If you prefer a more tender potato layer, consider parboiling the potato slices for a few minutes before assembling.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate before baking and increase bake time slightly if starting from cold.
  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier version; you may substitute with ground turkey if desired.
  • Make sure to separate onion slices into rings carefully to ensure even layering and texture.

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Find it online: https://kellyedylene.com/southern-five-layer-beef-casserole-recipe/