Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole 🍠🥩🧀

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole 🍠🥩🧀

This 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, hearty dish inspired by the legendary Dolly Parton. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this comforting meal layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh veggies for a satisfying family dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving something warm and filling without the fuss.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and easy casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Ingredients : Only 5 main ingredients make this recipe budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.
2. Comfort Food Classic : Layers of potatoes, beef, and veggies create a hearty, satisfying dish.
3. Customizable : Add cheese, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
4. One-Pan Wonder : Everything bakes together in one dish—minimal cleanup required.
5. Meal Prep Friendly : Great for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean )
• 3 large russet potatoes , sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 medium green bell pepper , chopped
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Optional : Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well ) or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
2. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
2. Top the potatoes with half of the chopped onions, bell peppers, cooked ground beef, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
3. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: potatoes, onions, bell peppers, beef, and tomatoes.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour , or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: (Optional) Add Cheese

1. If desired, uncover the casserole, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve Hot

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

1. Thinly Slice Potatoes : Uniform slices ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
2. Add Extra Flavor : Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.
3. Make It Creamier : Stir in a splash of cream or milk with the diced tomatoes for a richer sauce.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

This 5-Ingredient Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
• Green Salad : A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Hot Sauce : Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for those who like extra spice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~18g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~10g
• Fiber : ~4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh veggies creates a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to please.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your potatoes, chop those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.