Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole: A Homestyle Classic Full of Comfort and Flavor

There’s something deeply comforting about a classic casserole, especially one that layers rich meat, tender pasta, creamy vegetables, and bubbling cheese all in one hearty bake. Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that brings back memories of Sunday suppers, potlucks at grandma’s, and busy weeknights when only something deeply satisfying will do. It’s easy to assemble, deeply flavorful, and full of the Southern charm that makes every bite feel like home.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a no-fuss dinner that still brings everyone to the table, this casserole is the answer. With just a few pantry staples and layers of love, you can create a delicious and filling meal that delivers every single time.

What Is a Southern Five Layer Casserole?

This casserole earns its name from the five distinct, flavorful layers that come together in perfect harmony:

1. Seasoned ground beef

2. Cooked pasta

3. Creamed corn or creamy vegetable layer

4. Savory tomato-based sauce

5. Cheese topping

Each layer brings texture, taste, and a little bit of nostalgia. It’s a humble dish — but one that tastes like it took hours to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry and freezer staples.

• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.

• Kid-approved: Mild, cheesy, and familiar flavors.

• Southern soul in every bite: A combination of classic comfort ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Layer:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)

For the Pasta Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or small shell pasta

• Salted water for boiling

For the Creamy Vegetable Layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
  or

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mixed with ½ cup sour cream or cream of mushroom soup

For the Tomato Sauce Layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)

• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for added depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni or shells in salted water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook — the pasta will finish cooking in the oven.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a little oil until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne (if using).

Cook until beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce Layer

In a saucepan or the same skillet, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavor. Stir frequently and taste to adjust seasoning.

4. Assemble the Layers

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Now the fun part — building the layers:

• Layer 1: Ground Beef
  Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

• Layer 2: Cooked Pasta
  Evenly distribute the pasta over the beef.

• Layer 3: Creamed Corn or Veggie Mix
  Spoon creamed corn (or your veggie/sour cream mix) over the pasta layer. Spread gently to cover.

• Layer 4: Tomato Sauce
  Pour the warm tomato sauce over the vegetable layer and smooth it with the back of a spoon.

• Layer 5: Cheese
  Top generously with shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of Parmesan if using.

5. Bake Until Bubbling

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is rich and filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with:

• Buttermilk cornbread or biscuits

• Fried green tomatoes or collard greens

• Simple garden salad with a vinaigrette

• Sweet tea or a light lager for a true Southern touch

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente ensures it won’t get mushy during baking.

• Let it rest: Just like lasagna, this helps the layers hold together.

• Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Double the recipe: Make one to eat now and one to freeze.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this casserole your own with some creative twists:

• Add veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well.

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef layer.

• Use turkey or chicken: Ground turkey or shredded chicken can replace beef.

• Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack.

Storing and Reheating

To Store:

Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 20–30 minutes (covered with foil).

• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Tip: Add a splash of water or broth before reheating to prevent drying out.

Why This Dish is a Southern Favorite

This casserole embodies everything Southern cooking stands for: simplicity, flavor, comfort, and family. Each layer serves a purpose, and together they form a beautifully balanced, satisfying dish. Whether it’s a holiday, a potluck, or a no-fuss weeknight meal, Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is always a good idea.

It’s hearty enough to please meat-lovers, creamy enough to comfort the soul, and nostalgic enough to bring everyone back for seconds.

Try It Tonight

Looking for a no-fail, family-pleasing dinner? This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is your answer. It’s easy, adaptable, and destined to become a staple in your kitchen. The next time you want to cook something warm, filling, and full of flavor — layer it up and bake this classic Southern favorite.

Stay tuned for more comforting, down-home recipes that are made to be shared and savored.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole: A Homestyle Classic Full of Comfort and Flavor

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• Author: rodrigo Stone
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a hearty, old-school comfort dish that brings together layers of rich seasoned beef, tender rice, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese — all baked in one dish for a soul-satisfying Southern-style meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or freezing for a no-fuss dinner night.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 tsp seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook the beef layer:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, tomatoes (with juice), seasoned salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Layer the casserole:

• Layer 1 – Cooked Beef Mixture: Spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.

• Layer 2 – Rice: Sprinkle uncooked rice evenly over the beef.

• Layer 3 – Mixed Veggies: Spread frozen vegetables evenly over the rice.

• Layer 4 – Soup: In a bowl, whisk together soup and milk. Pour over the veggie layer, smoothing to cover.

• Layer 5 – Cheese: Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Cover and bake for 50–60 minutes until the rice is tender and everything is bubbling. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

5. Rest & garnish:
   Let stand 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or using Rotel tomatoes. Swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or cream cheese for a twist. Great for freezing — just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes