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The seven layer casserole dates back to the 1950s. The all-in-one meal comes from a vintage ad for Hunt’s Tomato Sauce. The ground beef casserole, baked in a 2-quart baking pan, is a complete meal. Layers of vegetables, rice, ground beef, and tomatoes are topped with bacon strips and cheese.
The casserole is pure comfort food—simple ingredients layered in a baking dish and cooked slowly until everything melds together. The rice absorbs the tomato sauce and beef juices as it bakes, creating a tender, flavorful base, while the corn and vegetables add sweetness and texture.
The strips of bacon on top crisp up beautifully, basting the casserole as it cooks. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and makes a full meal with almost no fuss. Serve it as is or with a simple side salad or rolls.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Classic comfort. Old-school flavors layered into a cozy, satisfying casserole.
Hands-off cooking. Once assembled, it bakes quietly in the oven with no stirring.
Complete meal. Includes meat, rice, vegetables, and a savory topping—all in one dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Long-grain rice: Raw rice cooks right in the casserole and absorbs all the juices.
- Corn: Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen kernels.
- Tomato sauce: Divided for the layers; provides moisture and flavor.
- Onion & bell pepper: Add aromatics and a bit of crunch.
- Ground beef: Raw beef cooks directly in the dish for easy prep.
- Bacon: Crisps as it bakes and adds smoky richness.
- Shredded cheese: Optional but delicious for the final few minutes.
Steps to Make Seven Layer Casserole
- Heat the oven and grease the baking dish.
- Rinse the rice and spread it in the dish.
- Add the corn and season lightly.
- Mix the tomato sauce and water and pour over the rice and corn.
- Add the onion and bell pepper in an even layer.
- Crumble the raw ground beef over the vegetables and season again.
- Mix the remaining tomato sauce with water and pour over the beef.
- Arrange the bacon strips on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake.
- Uncover and bake until browned, adding cheese near the end if desired.
Tips for Seven Layer Casserole
- Rinse the rice well to prevent gumminess.
- Cover tightly so the rice steams and cooks evenly.
- Use lean beef to avoid excess grease in the dish.
- Add cheese only at the end so it melts without overbrowning.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Turkey or pork. Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or pork.
- Veggie layer. Add sliced zucchini or mushrooms over the rice.
- Tex-Mex twist. Add chili powder, cumin, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Smoky bacon. Use thick-sliced or applewood smoked bacon for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls or cornbread.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a bigger meal.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
How to Store Seven Layer Casserole
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze the fully baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.
There are many more possibilities for one-dish meals. You might like this beef and bean taco casserole or this hearty spaghetti casserole.
Seven Layer Casserole
Ingredients
- Butter or oil, for greasing the baking dish
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 cup corn, thawed if frozen
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce, (divided)
- ¾ cup water, (divided)
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 strips bacon
- ½ to 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F.
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish.Butter or oil
- Put the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly; spread it in the prepared baking dish.1 cup long-grain rice
- Sprinkle the corn over the rice layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.1 cup corn | Kosher salt | Freshly ground black pepper
- Combine 1 can of the tomato sauce with 1/2 cup of water; pour over the corn layer.1 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce | ½ cup water
- Sprinkle the chopped onions and bell pepper over the corn and tomato sauce layer..1/2 cup onion | 1/2 cup bell pepper
- Crumble the ground beef over the onion and bell pepper layer and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.Kosher salt | 1 pound ground beef | Freshly ground black pepper
- Combine the second can of tomato sauce with 1/4 cup of water and pour over the beef layer.1 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce | ¼ cup water
- Arrange the strips of bacon over the top and cover the baking dish tightly with foil.4 strips bacon
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake the casserole for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese about 5 minutes before it comes out of the oven.1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
