Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple and delicious dish that brings heartiness to the table. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe allows busy cooks to create a satisfying meal with ease. The combination of flavors and textures makes this casserole a favorite for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole. First, it requires only five main ingredients, which makes it budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Second, it’s a one-dish meal that brings the whole family together for a comforting dinner. Lastly, the combination of ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers creates a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85 or 90%)
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon diced butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, pepperoncini
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper if desired.
- Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Season with salt, pepper, and add butter if using. Top with the cooked ground beef, then the sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper, add the diced tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours.
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Once the casserole is baked, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve it warm straight from the oven. You can enjoy it as a main dish, and it pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it securely with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Adding more garlic powder or even some cheese can enhance the flavor.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you want to save time, you can prepare and layer the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
Variation
You can make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a meat substitute or extra vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add spices based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use turkey, chicken, or any ground meat of your choice.
2. What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes will work just fine. You can add a bit of smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to put it in the oven.
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. With its ease and delicious flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85 or 90%)
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon diced butter (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- pepperoncini (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper if desired.
- Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Season with salt, pepper, and add butter if using.
- Top with the cooked ground beef, then the sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper, add the diced tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours.
Serving
- Once the casserole is baked, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve it warm straight from the oven.
