If you’re looking for pure comfort in a casserole dish, look no further than this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole. It’s a down-home classic: tender ground beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, colorful peppers and onions, and juicy tomatoes all layered together, then blanketed with melty cheddar. Every bite is a heartwarming taste of the South, making it a favorite for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, and potlucks alike. The flavors meld together beautifully and the cheesy topping ties it all up with a perfect golden finish.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is a breeze, and every component adds something special—texture, color, or that irresistible home-cooked flavor. These are kitchen staples you likely already have, and together they create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for hearty flavor and minimal grease—a classic Southern staple that forms the flavorful base.
Uncooked white rice: The rice soaks up the juices during baking, becoming wonderfully tender and tying the layers together.
Frozen corn (thawed): Sweet and juicy, corn brings a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
Green bell pepper (chopped): For slight crunch and garden-fresh flavor, green bell pepper is essential in Southern casseroles.
Yellow onion (chopped): Onion adds savory depth and aromatic goodness to every bite.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Don’t drain them—the juices help steam the rice and bind the casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melting on top, cheddar adds richness and that irresistible golden finish.
Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle gives background warmth without overpowering the dish.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a dash of color to season the beef.
Salt: An essential to heighten all the savory flavors in this classic casserole.
Black pepper: A little sharpness for that finishing touch of flavor.
Water or beef broth: Either works well—broth deepens the savory notes, but water keeps it simpler and lighter.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes serving those perfect slices a cinch.

How to Make Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray—you want effortless serving and easy cleanup, too!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season It Well

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the browning adds loads of flavor! Drain off any excess fat, sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef, and give it a good stir. Set aside while you prep the layers.

Step 3: Layer Rice and Corn

Pour the uncooked white rice evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, spread the thawed corn across the rice. These are the foundation layers of your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole, promising soft, rice-y goodness and bright, sweet kernels in every mouthful.

Step 4: Add Peppers and Onions

Scatter the chopped green bell pepper and yellow onion on top of the corn. The mixture of peppers and onions gives color, crunch, and that essential Southern savoriness that makes this casserole an instant classic.

Step 5: Pile on the Savory Beef Layer

Spoon the seasoned, browned ground beef evenly on top of the veggies. This hearty layer brings protein and all those rich, savory flavors to your casserole—think of it as the backbone of the dish!

Step 6: Finish with Tomatoes and Liquid

Pour the full can of diced tomatoes (juices and all) over the beef layer, spreading them around so they moisten the casserole evenly. Gently press down the layers with the back of a spoon, then pour water or broth over the entire dish. This step helps everything cook through perfectly and keeps your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole moist and cohesive.

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for one hour—this gives the rice time to absorb all that flavor while the layers meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bake Again

Remove the casserole from the oven carefully (it’ll be steaming!) and take off the foil. Sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the top is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole sit for 5 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing much easier. Grab a spatula and serve up hearty squares of goodness!

How to Serve Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even thinly sliced green onions on top gives your finished casserole a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little heat, a few sliced jalapeños add sparkle both in flavor and in looks!

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and filling, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of sautéed greens (collards, anyone?). For a true Southern feast, consider serving it with cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or parties, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—so cute and convenient! Or scoop your Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole into flour tortillas for a hearty burrito-style twist. Leftovers also make delicious stuffed bell peppers the following day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and some say the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge, making lunch the next day a true treat.

Freezing

This dish is wonderfully freezer-friendly. You can assemble the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole up to the point of baking, then wrap tightly and freeze. Or freeze leftovers in individual portions—just be sure everything’s cooled before you pop it in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole and bake at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual slices until piping hot. If frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture (especially for the rice).

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but remember it may need extra liquid and a bit more time in the oven to become tender. Just check for doneness before removing the foil.

Is Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole spicy?

No, the basic recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it very family-friendly. If you enjoy heat, you can mix in some diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne.

Can I make this casserole ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble the whole thing up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, proceed as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy rice?

Make sure you don’t use too much liquid—stick to the measured cup of water or broth. Also, cover tightly with foil to let the rice steam properly and absorb flavor without turning mushy.

Can I add other vegetables or beans?

Definitely! Black beans, zucchini, or diced carrots fit right in and bulks up the casserole. It’s a flexible dish, so feel free to make it your own while keeping the spirit of the Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole alive.

Final Thoughts

This recipe brings all the cozy, home-cooked comfort you crave, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special get-together. Every layer in this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole tells a story, and sharing it at your table is a surefire way to bring smiles. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite family classic!