Dolly Parton’s Cozy 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe For Beginners

Southern comfort meets simplicity in this dolly parton’s 5-ingredient casserole that promises pure magic on your dinner plate.

Kitchen adventures sometimes spark from unexpected inspirations.

Legendary musicians occasionally craft remarkable culinary experiences beyond their musical talents.

Her recipe combines pantry staples with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying meal you’ll want to share.

Comfort food doesn’t get easier or more delightful than this straightforward dish.

Warm up your oven and prepare for a taste of down-home goodness that celebrates delicious simplicity.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Comfort Food

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Dish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until it loses its pink color and develops a rich, golden-brown texture.

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

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Arrange potato slices as the first layer in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Add a touch of butter for extra richness if desired.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato base.

Top with sliced onions, seasoning with salt and pepper. Scatter diced green bell peppers across the surface and pour diced tomatoes over the entire casserole.

Step 5: Slow Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately two hours, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven. Serve immediately while hot, creating a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips to Maximize Flavor and Texture

• Opt for 90/10 or 93/7 lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Start with small amounts of salt and pepper, tasting as you go to prevent over-salting the dish.
• Cut potato slices to equal thickness (about 1/4 inch) ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes before layering to stop browning and remove excess starch.
• Add a splash of beef broth or water before covering with foil to keep the casserole moist and prevent drying out during long baking time.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Replace green bell peppers with jalapeños and add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Potato Bake: Swap ground beef with lamb, incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and diced kalamata olives for a Greek-style transformation.
• Vegetarian Garden Casserole: Substitute ground beef with lentils, add mushrooms, spinach, and use vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Dish: Mix in crumbled bacon, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, and drizzle ranch dressing before baking for a decadent comfort meal.

Perfect Pairings to Serve Alongside

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the dish's hearty profile.
• Zesty Sidekick Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth, adding bright acidity and fresh vegetables that contrast the cooked ingredients.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up delicious pan juices, providing a perfect textural complement and additional satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Cool Beverage Contrast: Offer a cold craft beer like amber ale or lager that refreshes the palate and matches the robust, home-style cooking with its malty undertones.

Storage Advice to Keep It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remains good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before layering?

No, you can slice the potatoes raw and layer them directly in the dish. They will cook and become tender during the long baking time.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper, a dash of cayenne, or include some chopped jalapeños when layering the ingredients to increase the heat level.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes, making it an economical meal that feeds many people.

The Ultimate Comfort Dish to Warm Your Heart

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: A hearty meal that brings everyone together, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites with its rich, home-style flavors and simple ingredients.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create this dish with basic skillet and oven skills, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks looking to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra spices, changing vegetables, or swapping meat, giving you complete control over the final taste and presentation.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, combining protein, vegetables, and potatoes into a complete meal that saves time and reduces dishwashing hassle.

Ingredients That Bring This Comfort Dish Together

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Potatoes, Onions, Green Bell Peppers, Diced Tomatoes: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds texture, nutrition, and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper, Butter: Seasonings and ingredients that boost the overall taste and create a well-rounded flavor profile for the casserole.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole brings southern comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Simple ingredients blend into a hearty, cheesy dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families in one delightful pan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (85 or 90%)

Vegetables and Produce:

• 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) diced butter
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pepperoncini (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking vessel and warm the oven to a steady 350F (175C), preparing for a hearty culinary adventure.
2. In a robust skillet heated to medium-high, transform the ground beef until it loses its rosy hue, approximately 8 minutes. Infuse with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a whisper of crushed red pepper for nuanced flavor.
3. Orchestrate the casserole’s foundation by creating a uniform layer of sliced potatoes across the dish’s base. Delicately season with salt and pepper, and dot with butter for luxurious richness.
4. Cascade the expertly cooked ground beef over the potato landscape, followed by a gentle blanket of sliced onions. Sprinkle additional seasoning to enhance the depth of flavors.
5. Distribute diced tomatoes across the surface, allowing their vibrant essence to permeate the layers. Scatter emerald green bell peppers to introduce a fresh, crisp element.
6. Envelop the entire creation with aluminum foil, sealing in moisture and promising tenderness. Slide into the preheated oven and allow 2 hours of patient transformation.
7. Once potatoes reach sublime softness, extract the bubbling masterpiece. Serve immediately, presenting a comforting symphony of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled to prevent clumping, creating an even meat distribution throughout the casserole.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking and a more appealing presentation, aiming for 1/4-inch thick rounds.
• Add extra flavor by incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the beef seasoning for a more complex taste profile.
• For a lower-carb alternative, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnip slices while maintaining the same cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 277 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg