There’s something magical about recipes that bring generations together, ones that are simple, soulful, and full of comfort. When I first came across Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole, it reminded me so much of my nonna’s rustic bakes, simple, nourishing, and made with love.
This dish is a true Southern treasure. Packed with hearty ground beef, layered with potatoes, and laced with the sweetness of diced tomatoes and onions, it’s a no-fuss recipe that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole delivers comfort by the spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole
- Simple Ingredients: Just 5 main pantry staples—no complicated prep.
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to feed a family without stretching your wallet.
- All-Season Favorite: Cozy for winter and light enough for summer with a fresh salad.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and reheating.
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or extra veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – preferably lean, but any will do.
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best).
- To keep it juicy, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – undrained.
- 1 medium onion, chopped.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Optional Additions (Recommended!):
- Sliced carrots – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – to melt over the top in the final minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Serves: 6
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer the Ingredients
In your greased baking dish, begin layering:
- First, a layer of thinly sliced potatoes
- Then a sprinkle of chopped onions
- Add a portion of cooked beef
- Spoon over some of the diced tomatoes (with juice)
Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tomatoes on top. If you’re adding sliced carrots, tuck them between the layers.
4. Cover & Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes.
5. (Optional) Add Cheese & Finish Baking
If you’re using cheddar cheese, remove the foil and sprinkle it generously on top during the last 10–15 minutes. Bake uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef with lentils or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheats beautifully.
- Freezer Friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 75–90 minutes.
Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole – A Hearty American Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and simple casserole inspired by Dolly Parton’s Southern kitchen—made with just ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. Comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- A few sliced carrots
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
Instructions
- 1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2.In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 3.In a greased 9×13″ casserole dish, layer the ingredients:
- -A layer of sliced potatoes
- -Some of the chopped onions
- -A portion of the ground beef
- -Spoon over some diced tomatoes (with juices)
- -Repeat layers as needed
- 4.Season each layer with salt and pepper as you go.
- 5.Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- 6.If you’d like a crispy top, uncover for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Notes
This casserole is incredibly versatile feel free to swap in ground turkey or add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. For a crispy topping, broil the cheese for 2–3 minutes at the end. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole, ground beef casserole, potato casserole, easy American casserole, comfort food recipe
What to Serve with Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or buttermilk biscuits.
- A side of steamed green beans or roasted veggies.
- For dessert? A simple peach cobbler or apple crisp.
Why This Dish Stands the Test of Time
Much like Dolly Parton herself, this dish is timeless. It’s rooted in tradition, made with wholesome ingredients, and created with love. The simplicity makes it so special, because great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
I grew up with similar “everything-in-the-oven” meals at my grandmother’s table. Now, I pass this version to you, not just as a recipe, but as an invitation to share warmth, memories, and a love for good old-fashioned American comfort food.
