Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole combines thinly sliced russet potatoes, browned lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers into a hearty, flavorful baked dish. Layered and seasoned meticulously, then slow baked to meld all the flavors into a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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
Seasoning 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 reaches the correct temperature for even baking of the casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during the long cooking time.
- Layer the Potatoes: Spread a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent them from drying out.
- Add the Beef Layer: Evenly distribute the browned and crumbled lean ground beef over the potato layer, making sure it covers the potatoes completely to build a hearty base.
- Add Onion Layer: Arrange a layer of sliced onion rings over the beef to add sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Add Tomato Layer: Cover the onions with a layer of fresh sliced tomatoes or spread canned diced tomatoes evenly to add moisture and tang.
- Add Bell Pepper Layer: Sprinkle chopped green bell peppers on top of the tomato layer, adding a refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
- Season Each Layer: Lightly sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer as you build the casserole to ensure balanced seasoning throughout.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and all ingredients to cook thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for easier slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty Southern classic.
Notes
- Using thinly sliced potatoes ensures they cook evenly and become tender during baking.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly before layering to remove excess fat and improve flavor.
- If using canned tomatoes, drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy casserole.
- You can customize seasoning by adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving cleaner.
