Description
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, layers of fresh vegetables, and uncooked rice baked together to perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it makes for an easy weeknight dinner or cozy family meal, combining rich southern flavors in a single casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Vegetables and Rice
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Tomato Components
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Dairy and Oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Layer Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Layer sliced onions evenly over the rice, then add the sliced green bell peppers on top of the onions.
- Add Beef and Tomatoes: Spoon the cooked, seasoned ground beef evenly over the vegetable layers. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes evenly over the beef, followed by pouring the tomato sauce on top of the tomatoes.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time and add an extra ¼ cup of liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
- This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
