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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking vessel and warm the oven to a steady 350F (175C), preparing for a hearty culinary adventure.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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