This Easy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is a comfort food classic! It has layers of beef, cheese, and hearty veggies, all baked together for a warm and tasty dish that everyone will love.
The best part? It’s so simple to make! Just layer the ingredients and pop it in the oven. I like to serve it with a side salad, but honestly, it’s great all on its own—too good to resist! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is where most of the flavor comes from! You can switch it up with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Ground pork also adds a nice richness.
Corn: Canned corn is convenient, but frozen corn works great too! You can also use sweet corn for a pop of sweetness, or swap it out for diced bell peppers for a crunchy twist.
Cheese: I love cheddar and Monterey Jack for their melting qualities. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and tasty, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and will add a different texture. You could even use layers of potato slices for something unique!
How Do I Get Perfectly Layered Casserole Without It Falling Apart?
Creating a layered casserole can be a challenge, but it’s all about proper assembly. Start by spreading a thin layer of the sour cream and salsa mix at the bottom. This prevents sticking! Here’s how to layer effectively:
- Use overlapping tortillas to cover the base, making sure there’s no gap.
- Don’t overload layers—keep everything even for better stability.
- Press down gently on each layer as you go to help them form a cohesive structure.
- Always finish with a layer of cheese on top to create a delicious crust!
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps everything set together nicely!
Easy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or extra cheddar)
- 8 oz (about 12) flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for a delicious weeknight dinner. You can have it on the table in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
3. Season the Meat:
Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once seasoned, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and salsa. This will be added between the layers for extra flavor!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by spreading a thin layer of the sour cream and salsa mixture on the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Next, add a layer of tortillas to cover the bottom completely.
Now, add half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then sprinkle half of the black beans and corn over that layer, followed by one-third of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Repeat the layering process with another layer of tortillas, the remaining ground beef, the rest of the black beans and corn, and another third of the cheese. Finally, top the casserole with a last layer of tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with a sheet of aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better. Serve topped with optional garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for a little extra flair!
This Easy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, layering hearty flavors with cheesy goodness. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be sure to cook it fully and season well, as it can have a milder flavor.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or increase the amount of beans and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it up until baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. To bake from frozen, simply increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
