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.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 tsp seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup milk
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Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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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. -
Layer the casserole:
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Layer 1 – Cooked Beef Mixture: Spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.
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Layer 2 – Rice: Sprinkle uncooked rice evenly over the beef.
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Layer 3 – Mixed Veggies: Spread frozen vegetables evenly over the rice.
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Layer 4 – Soup: In a bowl, whisk together soup and milk. Pour over the veggie layer, smoothing to cover.
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Layer 5 – Cheese: Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese.
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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.
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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