Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Introduction

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, delivering a harmonious blend of classic flavors in every bite. Hearty ground beef, tender pasta, savory vegetables, and a trio of cheeses simmer together under a golden crust. It’s beloved for feeding a crowd and turning humble pantry staples into a memorable meal. quick to prepare, easy to serve, and sure to become a weeknight or potluck favorite, this casserole brings all the warmth of southern hospitality to your table.

Why Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole Is a Winner

This casserole stands out because of its structure and layers—every spoonful offers deep, rich flavor and comfort. Layering seasoned beef, veggies, creamy sauce, and melted cheese ensures both taste and texture stay exciting. The ease of prepping everything ahead and baking just before serving further sets it apart, making it perfect for busy schedules without sacrificing delicious homemade results.

Building the Flavorful Layers

Start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic to create a hearty base. The layers continue with canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, tender egg noodles or macaroni, colorful mixed vegetables, and a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Each layer melds into the next during baking, resulting in a unified, saucy, and satisfying casserole.

Assembly and Baking for Best Results

To assemble, spread each prepared layer evenly in a baking dish, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a golden crust. Bake uncovered until bubbly, fragrant, and irresistible, letting it rest slightly before slicing to ensure neat servings.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole

Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance its richness. For a touch of Southern flair, add cornbread or buttermilk biscuits on the side. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds freshness and color when serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous portions. Each serving offers a balanced meal with protein, carbs, veggies, and cheese—clocking in at roughly 400-500 calories depending on add-ons and cheese quantity. It’s family-friendly, filling, and well-suited for leftovers.

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole (Recap)

Structured for balanced flavor and texture in every bite, this casserole is the epitome of crowd-pleasing Southern comfort food. Its thoughtful layering ensures nothing gets lost—just delicious, comforting flavor from the first spoonful to the last.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with everything you need, grouped by store section—making grocery runs and meal planning efficient and stress-free.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the casserole in the prepared baking dish as follows:
   • First layer: Evenly spread half the cooked noodles/macaroni.
   • Second layer: Add half the beef-tomato mixture.
   • Third layer: Evenly distribute all the mixed vegetables over the beef.
   • Fourth layer: Dollop and spread the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup over vegetables.
   • Fifth layer: Sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers once more (noodles, beef, veggies, sour cream mixture), finishing with remaining cheeses on top.
6. Top casserole evenly with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is ideal for meal prep—big enough for family dinners and delicious leftovers. Save and schedule this recipe to fit your busiest nights and generate comprehensive shopping lists that track ingredients for all your planned meals—saving you time at the store and in the kitchen.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates combined ingredient quantities across your meal plan
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery sections
• Reduces food waste and avoids duplicate purchases
• Makes meal prep, batch cooking, and family dinners stress-free and organized

Pro tip: Schedule this casserole with your weekly meals to automatically track shared ingredients like ground beef, cheese, or veggies—making your shopping list precise and efficient.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes