Dolly Parton’s easy 5-ingredient casserole – A creamy, cheesy, comforting bake that comes together fast for effortless weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients: Just five main ingredients plus seasoning
- No-fuss preparation: Easy layering method—no fancy techniques required
- Ultimate comfort food: Rich, hearty flavors with satisfying texture
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive and widely available items
- Make-ahead friendly: Preps easily the night before baking
- Customizable: Add cheese, change proteins, or spice it up
- Great for feeding a family: Generous 9×13-inch dish serves six
- Freezer-friendly: Can be made ahead and frozen
- Classic flavor: A vintage-style recipe that brings back memories
- One-dish meal: Protein, vegetables, and starch all in one pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish
- Top with half the cooked beef, half the onion slices, half the bell pepper slices, and half the diced tomatoes
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes
- Season the top layer with additional salt and pepper if desired
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil
- Bake for 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 340 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy topping: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the last 15 minutes of baking
- Spicy twist: Mix in sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat
- Add herbs: Sprinkle dried oregano or thyme between layers
- Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or cooked shredded chicken
- Vegetable add-ins: Include corn, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 20–30 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through
FAQs
Can I Use Another Type Of Meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef
Do The Potatoes Need To Be Precooked?
No, thinly slicing and baking for 2 hours ensures they cook through
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
What Type Of Tomatoes Should I Use?
Canned diced tomatoes with juice are perfect—no need to drain
Can I Add Cheese To This Recipe?
Definitely—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are all great options
Is It Necessary To Cover With Foil?
Yes, covering traps steam to soften the potatoes and keep everything moist
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely—mushrooms, spinach, corn, or peas all work well in this dish
How Do I Know When It’s Done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the dish should be bubbling throughout
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, but expect a slightly sweeter and softer texture
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
A simple green salad or crusty bread pairs perfectly with this hearty dish
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is comfort food at its best—simple, hearty, and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy night in, this no-fuss bake is bound to hit the spot. Its nostalgic, layered flavors bring warmth to the table and make it a timeless recipe worth keeping in your rotation.
Simple Southern Sides for Dolly’s Casserole
If you’re loving the down-home ease of Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole, here are a few more no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipes to round out your Southern table:
- For another low-effort favorite, try the cozy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole—it’s hearty and perfect for weeknights.
- Pair with a comforting starch like Cheesy Golden Crust Mashed Potato Bake to keep things creamy and classic.
- Serve a Southern-style side with Savory Stick of Butter Rice, rich and flavorful with minimal ingredients.
- Add a veggie twist with the wholesome Wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake—it’s easy to prep and makes great leftovers.
- Cap it all off with a nostalgic dessert like Southern Banana Cobbler Delight to make your meal sing.
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and nostalgic layered casserole of beef, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and peppers—simple ingredients baked low and slow for classic comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top with half the cooked beef, half the onion slices, half the bell pepper slices, and half the diced tomatoes.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
- Season the top layer with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Thinly slice potatoes for even cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For a richer flavor, add a layer of shredded cheese before baking.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg