Description
Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, all baked to perfection. A perfect meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- For the casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or from a box)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- For garnish (optional):
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the casserole starting with mashed potatoes, followed by the beef mixture, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: mashed potatoes, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, then baked when ready to serve.
- Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced fresh jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian options: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
