Description
Hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one spectacular dish. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 14.5 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing it for the layered casserole creation.
- Transform raw ground beef into a rich, caramelized protein by sizzling in a hot skillet, carefully eliminating any lingering fat.
- Introduce aromatic onions and vibrant bell peppers to the meat, gently coaxing out their natural sweetness and softening their texture.
- Infuse the meat mixture with bright, acidic diced tomatoes, seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Construct the casserole’s foundation by spreading a fluffy bed of rice across the bottom of a baking vessel.
- Artfully cascade the seasoned beef mixture over the rice, creating a robust and hearty layer of flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Repeat the layering process, building depth and complexity within the casserole’s architecture.
- Crown the dish with a final lavish layer of cheese, promising a golden, crispy top.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, molten masterpiece with crisp, bronzed edges.
- Remove when the cheese reaches a perfect state of melted glory, signaling the casserole is ready to be devoured.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome flavor to the casserole.
- Enhance the vegetable content by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and color variation.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting for repeat meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg