Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, browned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers. Baked slowly to perfection, it melds savory and fresh flavors into a satisfying casserole perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced with rings separated
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated before baking the casserole.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan using butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
- Layer potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes lightly with olive oil to add moisture and richness.
- Add browned beef: Spread a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground beef evenly over the potatoes to create a savory middle layer.
- Add onions: Place a layer of separated sliced onion rings over the beef layer for added flavor and texture.
- Add tomatoes: Next, spread sliced tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes evenly over the onions to provide juiciness and acidity.
- Add green peppers: Scatter chopped green bell peppers over the tomato layer for a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- Season layers: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over each layer as you go to build well-rounded seasoning throughout the casserole.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy a warm, hearty Southern-inspired meal!
Notes
- For a quicker preparation, you can parboil the potato slices before layering to reduce baking time.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish less greasy and healthier.
- Feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if tomatoes are out of season.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; adding some garlic powder or paprika can enhance flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
