Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, seasoned lean ground beef, fresh onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, baked to perfection with a blend of simple, comforting ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 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
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
Seasonings and 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 get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle the potatoes lightly with olive oil for moisture and flavor.
- Add Beef Layer: Spread the browned and crumbled lean ground beef evenly over the potatoes, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Onion Layer: Add a layer of sliced onions, separating the rings as you go for even distribution.
- Tomato Layer: Place the sliced tomatoes over the onions or evenly spread the canned diced tomatoes if using the canned option.
- Bell Pepper Layer: Top the tomatoes with chopped green bell peppers, distributing them evenly for a fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Season Layers: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste evenly over each layer to enhance the flavors throughout the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use thinly sliced potatoes and precooked ground beef.
- To add more depth of flavor, brown the onions slightly before layering.
- You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer taste.
- If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are ripe and juicy for best flavor.
- Covering the dish tightly during baking helps prevent dryness and promotes even cooking.
