Southern Beef Casserole
Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of the South with this Southern Beef Casserole. Layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and fresh vegetables come together in a single dish that brings warmth to the table.
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes (3 large, thinly sliced)
- Starchy and sturdy enough to absorb the dish’s flavors without losing structure.
Lean Ground Beef (1 lb / ~0.45 kg, browned & crumbled)
- Adds rich protein while keeping the casserole lighter on grease.
Onions (2 large, sliced into rings)
- Sweetens during baking delivering classic homestyle taste.
Tomatoes (2 large, sliced) OR (1 can / ~15 oz diced tomatoes)
- Introduces juicy tanginess that balances the savory layers.
Green Bell Peppers (1½ / ~225g, chopped)
- Gives a crisp garden-fresh bite to every forkful.
Olive Oil (as needed)
- Light drizzle over potatoes aiding even cooking and flavor infusion.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- Highlights all other tastes ensuring well-seasoned layers.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Layer Potatoes
- Spread thin potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Add Beef & Veggies
- Over the potatoes, scatter browned ground beef.
- Top with onion rings, followed by sliced tomatoes (or diced if using canned).
- Finish with chopped green bell peppers. Season each layer with salt and pepper as desired.
Cover & Bake
- Seal the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the casserole to become fork-tender and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy
- Once it’s done, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Slice or scoop generous portions onto plates, and enjoy its warm, comforting layers.
Notes
If you want perfectly tender potatoes, parboil them for about 3–5 minutes before layering. This brief pre-cook ensures the potatoes soften completely while absorbing savory flavors during baking, giving you a consistently creamy texture in every bite.