Description
This Southern Five-Layer Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole bakes to golden perfection, topped with sour cream and fresh parsley for a flavorful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Potatoes and Cheese
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- ½ cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, then drain any excess fat.
- Simmer with Soup and Spices: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add First Beef Layer: Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes, then the remaining beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Dollop the casserole with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and creamy finish.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are thinly sliced to cook evenly and fully during baking.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef mixture to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps steam the potatoes for tenderness.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
