Cozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the kind of recipe that reminds you why comfort food is, well, so comforting. You get rich, savory flavors from layers of potatoes, beef, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all baked together to absolute perfection in one beautiful dish. The true magic happens when you take that simple but oh-so-important step: lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Not only does it keep everything from sticking, it encourages those sought-after golden-brown edges, making every forkful melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner full of Southern charm, say hello to your new favorite casserole routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is refreshingly short and full of kitchen staples, yet each plays an essential role in the casserole’s satisfying layers. Fresh vegetables add sweetness and structure, while beef brings that heartiness you crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single one:
- Russet potatoes: Thin slices turn creamy as they bake and provide a sturdy, comforting base.
- Lean ground beef: Browning the beef first means deeper flavor and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
- Onions: Sliced into rings, onions infuse each layer with mellow, savory sweetness.
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned): Tomatoes bring juicy brightness, whether you use slices or go for easy canned diced tomatoes.
- Green bell peppers: Chopped peppers add color and a slight peppery bite that’s classic in Southern family recipes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for coaxing out every bit of flavor from your ingredients.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle brings all the layers together and helps the potatoes turn plush and golden.
How to Make Cozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first! Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it fully preheated so every layer of this casserole bakes up evenly and perfectly tender. Comfort food should never be rushed, so give your oven a few minutes to reach that ideal temperature.
Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan
This is the golden rule with casseroles. Take your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly grease it—this step guarantees stress-free serving and cleanup. Whether you use a little swipe of butter or a burst of nonstick spray, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan before you do anything else. It makes all the difference between a casserole that slides out easily and one that sticks before you can get it to the table!
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Begin the layering magic with those thinly sliced russet potatoes. Spread them out to cover the pan. If you want every spoonful to have that perfect bite, make sure they’re overlapping ever so slightly but not stacked too thick—this creates an almost creamy, scalloped effect as the casserole bakes.
Step 4: Drizzle Olive Oil
With the potatoes nestled in, give them just a light drizzle of olive oil. This step keeps them from drying out, adds a subtle richness, and, together with your previous step to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensures a perfectly nonstick result.
Step 5: Layer the Ground Beef
Now scatter your browned and crumbled lean ground beef over the potatoes. It’s important to spread the beef evenly so its savoriness mingles into every layer, making the casserole as hearty as it is homey.
Step 6: Add Onion Rings and Tomatoes
Next up, layer those onion rings and then tomato slices (or evenly spread canned diced tomatoes) across the surface. The sweet onions meld beautifully into each bite, and the tomatoes supply a welcome juiciness, preventing the casserole from feeling heavy.
Step 7: Top with Green Bell Peppers
Finish the layers with a sprinkle of those vibrant green bell pepper pieces. Their freshness balances the richness from the beef and potatoes, giving your casserole that signature Southern soul.
Step 8: Season and Bake
Season every layer with a pinch of kosher salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper as you go. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, then slide it into the oven. Bake for about 2 hours, letting those flavors mingle and the top get golden and irresistible. The step to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan means those succulent edges come out intact and gorgeous.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Take the casserole from the oven and let it cool and settle for just a few minutes before cutting in. Resting lets all those delicious juices redistribute, ensuring you get perfect slices every time. And because you didn’t forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, serving is a total breeze!
How to Serve Cozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
After pulling this bubbling beauty from the oven, you can add finishing touches to make it extra memorable. Sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a sharp note, a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese added in the last 10 minutes of baking will melt into a golden crust on top.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, but it’s even more special with classic Southern sides. Pair it with buttery cornbread, a crisp green salad, or some slow-cooked green beans for the ultimate comfort meal. Don’t forget sweet iced tea or lemonade to round things out!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try baking and serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini skillets; just remember to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or your chosen dish) for each one. For potlucks or family-style gatherings, serve directly from the pan, then invite everyone to dig in family-style—nothing feels more welcoming or homier than that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge, covered tightly in the original (cleaned) baking pan or transferred to airtight containers. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for some of the best next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead or save portions for another day, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the pan thoroughly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Clearly label with the date, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, no need to thaw overnight—just bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions into a microwave-safe dish and warm until steamy, or reheat the entire casserole (covered) in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. For best results, always lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan again before reheating in the oven, so the bottom and sides don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russets provide a wonderful creamy texture, Yukon Golds or even red potatoes will work. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking and a satisfying bite.
What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
No worries at all—canned diced tomatoes are a great substitute and bring the same juiciness to the casserole. Drain them slightly if you prefer a less saucy texture, but both options blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Many home cooks like to sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack between the layers, or just over the top in the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, golden crust.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
You can! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or layer in cooked lentils for added protein and heartiness. The rest of the steps—including when to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—stay the same.
Why do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
Covering the casserole with foil ensures gentle, steady cooking so everything turns out tender and moist—not dry. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes for a slightly browned and attractive top if you like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for kitchen warmth, big flavors, and a meal that feels like an edible hug, give this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole a try. Don’t skip that step to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—it’s the small secret behind every perfect slice. Pull up a chair, scoop up a hearty helping, and enjoy every last bite!
PrintCozy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers potatoes, ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers seasoned with salt and pepper, baked to perfection. A classic Southern favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes:
3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
Lean Ground Beef:
1 pound, browned and crumbled
Onions:
2 large, sliced and rings separated
Tomatoes:
2 large, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
Green Bell Peppers:
1 1/2, chopped
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper:
To taste
Olive Oil:
As needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start with a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Add a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground beef.
- Follow with a layer of sliced onions.
- Add sliced tomatoes. Or spread the canned diced tomatoes evenly.
- Top with chopped green bell peppers.
- Season: Sprinkle each layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty casserole!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole, Beef Casserole Recipe, Southern Beef Casserole, Five Layer Casserole