Name: Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced – The foundation of the casserole, these potatoes add heartiness and richness.; 1 lb lean ground chicken, browned and crumbled – A healthier alternative to beef, chicken provides a lighter yet equally delectable flavor.; 2 large onions, sliced – Onions bring sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.; 2 large tomatoes (or 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes) – Fresh or canned, tomatoes add moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the potatoes and chicken.; 1.5 green bell peppers, chopped – These add a crisp texture and a pop of color, infusing the dish with a fresh taste.; Kosher salt & black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.; Olive oil as needed – Used to drizzle over the layers, adding richness and aiding in the cooking process.

Description

Enjoy Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole! This hearty dish features layers of beef, cheese, and pasta, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced – The foundation of the casserole, these potatoes add heartiness and richness.
1 lb lean ground chicken, browned and crumbled – A healthier alternative to beef, chicken provides a lighter yet equally delectable flavor.
2 large onions, sliced – Onions bring sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
2 large tomatoes (or 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes) – Fresh or canned, tomatoes add moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the potatoes and chicken.
1.5 green bell peppers, chopped – These add a crisp texture and a pop of color, infusing the dish with a fresh taste.
Kosher salt & black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Olive oil as needed – Used to drizzle over the layers, adding richness and aiding in the cooking process.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. This prevents sticking and allows for easy serving.
Begin layering the ingredients:
- Start with a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes) at the bottom.
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) to keep them moist.
- Add a layer of browned and crumbled lean ground chicken (1 lb) over the potatoes.
- Follow with a layer of sliced onions (2 large onions), ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Next, layer on diced tomatoes (2 large or 1 can (15 oz)), covering the onions completely.
- Add chopped green bell peppers (1.5 peppers) as the final layer before seasoning.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over each layer to taste, enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
Cover the casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning and moisture loss. Place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook perfectly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps set the layers, making it easier to serve.