Description
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers. Baked to perfection with simple seasoning and olive oil, it’s an effortless and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The recipe is easily adaptable to be gluten-free by selecting appropriate ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Layers
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
- 2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Seasoning & Others
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole uniformly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish and drizzle generously with olive oil for moisture and flavor.
- Add the Ground Beef: Spread the browned and crumbled lean ground beef evenly over the potato layer to add hearty protein.
- Layer the Onions: Place a layer of sliced onions on top of the beef to infuse the dish with sweet and savory notes.
- Add the Tomatoes: Layer sliced tomatoes over the onions, or spread canned diced tomatoes evenly if using the canned option, for added juiciness.
- Top with Green Bell Peppers: Sprinkle chopped green bell peppers on top to contribute a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and vibrant color.
- Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each layer to enhance the overall taste.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious and hearty Southern-style casserole!
Notes
- To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure all your ingredients, especially the ground beef and cooking spray, are certified gluten-free.
- Some ground beef products may contain additives or fillers with gluten, so always check labels or consult your butcher.
- Using gluten-free butter substitutes or cooking sprays helps maintain a gluten-free meal without compromising on taste.
- The casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top in the last 15 minutes of baking if not needing gluten-free or dairy-free.
