Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole combines thinly sliced russet potatoes, lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, baked to perfection in a cozy, hearty dish. Seasoned simply with kosher salt and fresh pepper, it makes for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced with rings separated
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
Seasonings & Oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking and to help with even cooking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by placing a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes lightly with olive oil to help them cook and add flavor. Next, add a layer of the browned and crumbled lean ground beef. Follow this with a layer of sliced onions, then a layer of sliced tomatoes or evenly spread canned diced tomatoes. Finally, top with chopped green bell peppers to add color and freshness.
- Season Each Layer: As you layer each ingredient, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This seasoning enhances the natural flavors of each component.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and cook the ingredients through. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all layers to meld and soften beautifully.
- Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing. Enjoy your warm, hearty Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole!
Notes
- To make this Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole gluten-free, ensure all your ingredients, especially the ground beef, are certified gluten-free as some may contain additives with gluten.
- Use a gluten-free cooking spray or butter substitute labeled gluten-free when greasing your baking dish.
- This recipe is versatile; you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes without altering the flavor significantly.
- For richer flavor, you may brown the ground beef with a little onion or garlic before layering.
