Four Layer Casserole

This comforting four layer casserole is a hearty, family-friendly bake with layers of seasoned ground beef, corn, tomatoes, and a cheesy potato topping. It’s a low-cost, satisfying one-dish meal perfect for winters—easy to prepare with market staples, stretches to feed a crowd, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Simple flavors come together in every scoop.

Ingredients

For 6 to 8 servings, gather these affordable items:

  • 500 grams lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (400 grams) sweet corn, drained
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed with a little milk)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or chopped bell pepper for extra veggies

Direction

  • Assemble and bake this casserole with these steps:
  • Step 1: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Step 3: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes with juice. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Step 5: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish as the first layer. Top with drained corn as the second layer.
  • Step 6: Spread mashed potatoes smoothly over the corn as the third layer. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top as the final layer.
  • Step 7: Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving hot.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (approximate values with lean beef and reduced cheese):

  • Calories: 320 to 380
  • Total Fat: 14 to 18 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6 to 8 grams
  • Cholesterol: 70 to 90 milligrams
  • Sodium: 450 to 600 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28 to 34 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 4 to 6 grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams (natural from tomatoes/corn)
  • Protein: 22 to 26 grams
  • Good source of protein from beef, fiber from veggies, vitamin C from tomatoes, and calcium from cheese. Balanced comfort food when portioned with sides.

Recipes Credit

Contributed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Extension Service