Step-by-Step Instructions for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for about 8 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you like (garlic powder, red pepper flakes, etc.).
3️⃣ Layer the Casserole:
- Bottom layer: Arrange sliced potatoes evenly in the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add bits of butter on top (if using).
- Next layer: Spread cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
- Then: Layer on the sliced onions. Season again lightly.
- Top layer: Pour over the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) and sprinkle on the diced bell peppers.
- Optional: Nestle in a few pepperoncini for extra zing.
4️⃣ Cover and Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded into casserole perfection.
Quick Snapshot:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~320 per serving
Pro Tips for Casserole Success:
- Potato Prep: Keep slices even for uniform baking—aim for ¼ inch thick.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t be shy with seasoning—especially the ground beef layer.
- Butter Bonus: A few dots of butter on the potato layer = rich flavor payoff.
- Make It Zippy: Add pepperoncini or red pepper flakes for that subtle Dolly sass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 5 Main Ingredients: Nothing fancy just good old-fashioned comfort.
- Hands-Off Cooking: 15-minute prep, then the oven does the rest.
- Southern Soul: A down-home recipe that tastes like grandma’s table.
- Easy Clean-Up: One dish. No fuss.
FAQ About This Classic Casserole:
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 mins extra bake time if cold.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely—just be sure to season well for depth of flavor.
What’s the best type of tomato to use?
Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work great too.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Potatoes not fully cooked?
Make sure to slice them thinly and evenly thicker cuts may need longer bake time.
Too watery?
Use less tomato juice, or bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to evaporate extra moisture.
Lacking flavor?
Season each layer well especially the potatoes and beef!
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before the last 10 mins of baking.
- Veggie Boost: Add corn, zucchini, or mushrooms between layers.
- Spice It Up: Swap green peppers for jalapeños or poblano peppers.
- Garlic Lovers: Stir minced garlic into the beef or sprinkle garlic powder throughout.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s Sunday dinner with family, a cozy potluck, or just a cold night that needs some warm comfort, Dolly’s 5-Ingredient Casserole hits every note simple, satisfying, and oh-so Southern.
Casserole Success:
Hearty potatoes, flavorful beef, tender onions, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes slow-baked into one glorious dish. This one’s a keeper straight from country legend roots.
Made it? Show it off!
Snap a pic and tag your down-home dinner we’d love to see your Dolly-inspired comfort creation!
