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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- Season the Beef: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper with the browned beef, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Layer the Potatoes: Lay half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first layer.
- Add Onions: Place the sliced onions over the potatoes as the second layer, distributing them evenly.
- Layer the Ground Beef: Spread the seasoned ground beef over the onions, making sure it covers the entire layer beneath.
- Add Mixed Vegetables: Evenly spread the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the ground beef layer as the fourth layer.
- Top with Remaining Potatoes: Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the vegetables to form the final layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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