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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a 9×13-inch dish and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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