There is something undeniably magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Queen of Country herself. This hearty dolly parton casserole recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality in a single baking dish. It reminds me of those rainy Tuesday evenings when comfort is the only thing on the menu.
I vividly remember the first time I made this dish for my family during a particularly busy week. We were all craving something savory and filling, but I had very little energy left for complex cooking techniques. Just like my favorite cranberry turkey sliders recipe, this dish proves that you do not need a complicated ingredient list to make something spectacular.
The beauty of this meal lies in how the simple ingredients transform as they bake together. The juices from the beef and tomatoes create a rich broth that tenderizes the potatoes perfectly. It is the kind of unpretentious cooking that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Layering these humble components creates a flavor profile that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It brings back memories of community potlucks and Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. There is a genuine sense of nostalgia in every bite of this classic American dish.
Why you’ll love this Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole with Dolly Parton Casserole Recipe
- It requires minimal prep time, making it the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table without the fuss.
- The ingredients are incredibly budget-friendly and likely already sitting in your pantry or refrigerator right now.
- This wholesome dolly parton casserole recipe is a one-pan wonder, meaning you will have significantly fewer dishes to wash after the meal.
- You can easily customize the spice level or add extra vegetables to suit your family’s specific tastes and dietary needs.
- It delivers pure comfort food satisfaction with a savory tomato base and tender potatoes that melt in your mouth.
- The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and sliced into rounds
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes or tomato soup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder or cajun seasoning for extra kick
Directions
Step 1
Dolly parton casserole recipe makes every moment feel satisfying. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready when you finish assembling the layers. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of neutral oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Wash your russet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into rounds that are roughly 1/4 inch thick. Arrange these potato slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Season this layer lightly with salt and pepper to ensure the base has plenty of flavor.
Step 3
Peel and slice the sweet onions, then wash and chop the green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Scatter the sliced onions and chopped peppers evenly over the layer of potatoes. This vegetable layer will provide aromatic moisture as the casserole bakes.
Step 4
Take your raw lean ground beef and crumble it directly over the vegetable layer, ensuring you cover the dish as evenly as possible. There is no need to brown the meat in a skillet beforehand, as it will cook perfectly in the oven. The juices released from the beef will drip down and flavor the potatoes below.
Step 5
Open your cans of diced tomatoes or tomato soup and pour the contents evenly over the beef layer. Make sure to include all the juice from the cans, as this liquid is essential for steaming the potatoes. If the mixture appears too dry, feel free to add a small splash of water or beef broth.
Step 6
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam inside. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 1.5 hours. This long, covered bake time allows the potatoes to become tender without burning the top.
Step 7
After 90 minutes, remove the aluminum foil carefully to avoid the escaping steam. Continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. You want the top to become slightly browned and the liquid to thicken slightly.
Step 8
Check that the potatoes are fork-tender before removing the dish from the oven. Let the casserole rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
While the classic version is delicious, you can easily transform this dolly parton casserole recipe into a cheesy delight. Simply sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. The melted cheese adds a wonderful gooey texture that kids absolutely love.
If you prefer a bit more heat, try creating a spicy Tex-Mex version of this dish. Swap the standard diced tomatoes for a can of tomatoes with green chilies and add a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef. You could even toss in some drained corn kernels for added sweetness and crunch.
For a lighter twist, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor profile remains rich thanks to the onions and peppers, but the meal becomes slightly leaner. Just be sure to season the poultry generously with garlic powder and herbs since it has a milder flavor than beef.
Vegetable lovers can bulk up this meal by adding layers of sliced zucchini or mushrooms along with the onions. These vegetables release water as they cook, so you might not need to add any extra broth. It is a fantastic way to sneak more nutrition into a comfort food favorite.
Pairings
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits. The bread is perfect for soaking up the savory tomato and beef juices left on the plate. Cornbread is another Southern staple that complements the flavors of the sweet onions and peppers wonderfully.
To balance the richness of the meat and potatoes, serve a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette on the side. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the savory heaviness of the main dish. A simple cucumber and tomato salad also works well to add freshness to the meal.
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make excellent vegetable companions for this dinner. Their bright green color creates a nice visual contrast to the red tomato base of the casserole. Keeping the sides simple allows the complex flavors of the main dish to shine.
For a true Southern feast, consider serving some sautéed corn or collard greens alongside the casserole. These traditional sides enhance the down-home feel of the meal. They turn a simple weeknight dinner into something that feels like a special occasion.
Serving ideas
Presenting this dish can be as rustic or as elegant as you like. Serving it straight from the baking dish at the table emphasizes its family-style, communal nature. Garnishing the top with freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color that makes it look appetizing.
If you used a cast-iron skillet instead of a standard baking dish, bring the skillet to the table on a trivet. The dark iron contrasts beautifully with the red tomatoes and browned meat. Just be sure to warn your guests that the pan is extremely hot.
For individual servings, scoop the casserole into shallow bowls rather than flat plates. The broth and juices are delicious, and a bowl ensures you don’t lose a single drop. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy element that balances the hot tomato sauce.
You can also serve this dish with a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on the table. This allows each person to adjust the spice level to their own preference. It is a fun, interactive way to let everyone customize their plate.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftovers of this casserole store exceptionally well and often taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes until the potatoes are hot all the way through. Stirring halfway through helps ensure the beef and veggies heat evenly.
For reheating larger portions, it is best to use the oven to maintain the texture. Cover the dish with foil and warm it at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This prevents the top from drying out while the center gets hot.
You can freeze this casserole, but be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, bake the dish completely, let it cool, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Make-ahead
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping on a Sunday afternoon. You can assemble all the layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since you are starting with a cold dish.
If you want to speed up the process for a future dinner, you can slice the onions and peppers ahead of time. Store them in sealed bags in the refrigerator until you are ready to layer. However, slice the potatoes right before assembly to prevent them from turning brown.
Another make-ahead strategy is to cook the ground beef and drain the fat before layering. While the original recipe calls for raw beef, using pre-cooked meat reduces the baking time slightly. If you do this, check the potatoes for doneness around the 1-hour mark.
You can also prepare the spice blend in a small jar if you plan to make this often. Mix your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like. having a “casserole mix” ready to go makes the assembly process lightning fast.
Common mistakes when making Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Slicing the potatoes too thickly is the most frequent error, resulting in undercooked, crunchy spuds even after two hours.
- Forgetting to cover the dish tightly with foil allows the essential steam to escape, leaving the casserole dry and the potatoes hard.
- Using extra lean beef without adding a splash of broth can cause the dish to lack the necessary moisture for cooking the vegetables.
- Draining the canned tomatoes is a mistake because that liquid is crucial for creating the sauce and steaming the layers.
- Under-seasoning the potato layer specifically can lead to a bland final dish, so be sure to salt the spuds directly.
Final notes
This recipe is a testament to the fact that you do not need a culinary degree to create a memorable meal. It celebrates the simple joy of gathering ingredients, layering them with care, and letting the oven do the heavy lifting. The result is a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul.
I encourage you to embrace the flexibility of this dish and make it your own. Whether you add cheese, switch up the spices, or stick to the classic version, it is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment once you have mastered the basic technique.
Finally, remember that the best ingredient in any home-cooked meal is the love you put into it. There is a reason this dolly parton casserole recipe has resonated with so many people over the years. It brings the warmth of a country kitchen right into your home, no matter where you live.
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
A wholesome and hearty Southern classic straight from the Queen of Country herself. This layered comfort food dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh veggies, all baked to perfection in a rich tomato base. It is an effortless, budget-friendly dinner that tastes like home.
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and sliced into rounds
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes or tomato soup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder or cajun seasoning for extra kick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
- Arrange a layer of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add a layer of sliced onions and chopped green bell peppers over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the raw crumbled ground beef. (No need to brown the meat first; it cooks in the juices).
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) or tomato soup evenly over the top of the beef layer. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a splash of water or beef broth.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is slightly browned and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a cheesier version, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg