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Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe


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4.3 from 56 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful baked casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Dairy & Soup

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper with the browned beef, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
  4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
  5. Layer the Potatoes: Lay half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first layer.
  6. Add Onions: Place the sliced onions over the potatoes as the second layer, distributing them evenly.
  7. Layer the Ground Beef: Spread the seasoned ground beef over the onions, making sure it covers the entire layer beneath.
  8. Add Mixed Vegetables: Evenly spread the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the ground beef layer as the fourth layer.
  9. Top with Remaining Potatoes: Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the vegetables to form the final layer.
  10. Mix Soup and Milk: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers.
  11. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
  12. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  13. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly for easier serving and improved flavor.

Notes

  • Use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure they cook evenly throughout the bake.
  • Add diced bell peppers to the vegetable layer for extra flavor, color, and texture.
  • This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
  • For a gluten-free version, be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American