The Best Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort arrives with dolly partons 5-ingredient casserole, a magical culinary creation that whispers nostalgia from southern kitchens.

Memories dance through simple ingredients blending effortlessly into one hearty dish.

Classic simplicity speaks volumes about home-cooked meals everyone cherishes.

Southern warmth radiates from this uncomplicated recipe passed through generations.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction with each delectable bite.

She crafted a meal that connects people around shared tables.

Maximum flavor emerges from just five kitchen staples.

We bet you cannot resist trying this delightful comfort classic.

Step-by-Step for Dolly’s Simple Comfort Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the First Veggie Foundation

• Sliced potatoes
• Sliced onions
• Diced green bell peppers
• Canned diced tomatoes

Sprinkle a generous pinch of salt and black pepper across the layer.

Step 3: Add the Meaty Centerpiece

Spread ground beef evenly over the vegetable layer.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper (optional for extra kick)

Step 4: Build the Final Flavor Layer

Repeat the previous vegetable arrangement with remaining ingredients. Dot the top with small pieces of butter to create a rich, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes turn tender and the casserole bubbles with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes.

If desired, top with pepperoncini slices for a zesty garnish. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Best Tips for Dolly Parton’s Quick Casserole

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Brown ground beef before layering to develop deeper, richer meat flavor and reduce excess moisture.
• Select crisp green peppers and sweet onions for maximum crunch and vibrant taste in the dish.
• Control heat by modifying red pepper amount or adding different spices like paprika or cayenne for personalized kick.
• Prepare casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for intensified taste profile.

Creative Ways to Change Dolly’s Easy Casserole

• Southwest Spice Sensation: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, add taco seasoning, swap bell peppers for roasted jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Substitute ground beef with crumbled feta cheese, use zucchini instead of potatoes, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano.
• Hearty Sausage Scramble: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, incorporate sliced mushrooms, replace green peppers with spinach, and include mozzarella cheese on top.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Create a vegetarian version with plant-based ground meat, add roasted eggplant cubes, mix in corn kernels, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

What Complements Dolly Parton’s Famous Casserole

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and vegetable flavors, cutting through the casserole's heartiness with bold tannic notes.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Create a tangy, crunchy side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to balance the casserole's warm, heavy texture and add refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Buttermilk Cornbread: Bake a slightly sweet, tender cornbread that soaks up the casserole's savory juices and provides a perfect textural counterpoint with its crumbly, golden crust.

Smart Storage Tips for Five-Ingredient Casserole Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of water or broth to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

• Is this casserole spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of crushed red pepper you add. For a mild version, use less or skip it entirely. For more kick, increase the amount.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor.

Why This 5-Ingredient Casserole Is a Comfort Staple

• Quick Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, filling dish.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that transform into a mouthwatering casserole without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time for enjoying your meal.

Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.
• Onions: Aromatic vegetable that brings depth and sweetness to the casserole.

• Green Bell Peppers: Crunchy vegetable that adds a mild, fresh flavor and color to the dish.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that helps create moisture and tangy undertones in the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Optional spice that provides additional savory depth.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat to the dish.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that adds extra flavor and helps create a golden, crispy top.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the casserole during initial baking.
• Pepperoncini Slices: Optional garnish for added zest and visual appeal.

Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets simplicity in Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole, a heartwarming dish that blends creamy cheese, tender chicken, and buttery crackers into pure culinary magic. Music legend’s recipe promises delicious comfort perfect for gathering loved ones around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90%)

Vegetables:

• 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 medium green bell peppers, diced

Canned and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Pepperoncini slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a 9×13-inch dish and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Create the first vegetable foundation by arranging a uniform layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, followed by an even distribution of sliced onions, diced green bell peppers, and half the diced tomatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Distribute the ground beef uniformly over the initial vegetable layer, ensuring complete coverage. Enhance the beef layer with additional seasoning, incorporating garlic powder and crushed red pepper for deeper flavor complexity.
4. Complete the casserole construction by replicating the previous vegetable layering technique with remaining potatoes, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Strategically place small butter cubes across the surface to introduce richness and depth.
5. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes reach perfect tenderness and the dish develops a bubbling, golden surface.
6. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Optional: Garnish with pepperoncini slices for a zesty accent before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that accommodates different dietary preferences.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to boost nutritional value and add a subtle sweetness to the casserole.
• Drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes to prevent a watery texture and ensure the casserole stays firm and holds its shape during baking.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg