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Savory Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole for Cozy Nights Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern United States
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Savory Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, browned lean ground beef, onions, fresh tomatoes, and green bell peppers, all seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, and baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a classic Southern-style casserole that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Russet Potatoes (Thinly sliced; can substitute with sweet potatoes)

Meat

  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (Browned)

Vegetables

  • 1 large Onion (Sliced into rings)
  • 2 cups Tomatoes (Fresh or canned diced)
  • 1 cup Green Bell Peppers (Chopped)

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (To taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (To taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For drizzling over potatoes)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Prepare Potato Layer: Thinly slice the russet potatoes and arrange a single layer evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil to help them cook evenly and develop a slight crisp.
  3. Add Beef Layer: Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Spread this browned beef as the next layer over the potatoes to build a rich base of protein and flavor.
  4. Layer Onions: Place the sliced onion rings evenly over the beef layer, adding a sweet and savory note to the casserole.
  5. Add Tomato and Pepper Layer: Sprinkle diced fresh or canned tomatoes over the onions, then top with chopped green bell peppers to introduce freshness and color.
  6. Season Layers: Lightly season each layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced and enhanced flavors throughout the casserole.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld and the casserole to bubble beautifully.
  8. Cool and Serve: After baking, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly so the layers can set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrients.
  • Make sure to slice potatoes thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
  • Use fresh or canned tomatoes based on availability; drained canned tomatoes can help reduce excess moisture.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted canned tomatoes.
  • Covering the dish tightly during baking retains moisture and prevents the casserole from drying out.