This simple yet satisfying casserole combines hearty ground beef with layers of potatoes and vegetables for a comforting meal that’s as unpretentious as it is delicious. Inspired by the queen of country music herself, this dish embodies home-style cooking at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires just 5 main ingredients plus seasoning
- Easy to assemble with minimal prep work
- Budget-friendly comfort food
- Makes great leftovers
- Can be customized to suit your taste
- Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners
- Hearty and filling for the whole family
- No fancy techniques required – just layer and bake
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef serves as the protein foundation for this casserole, adding rich flavor and hearty texture. Choose lean ground beef (85% or 90%) for the best balance of flavor without excessive grease. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Russet potatoes form the substantial base of this dish, becoming tender and comforting when baked. Their starchy nature helps absorb the flavors from the other ingredients. You can leave the skins on for added nutrition or peel them if you prefer a more uniform texture.
Green bell pepper adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the casserole. The mild flavor works perfectly with the other ingredients, though you could substitute any color bell pepper based on what you have available.
Onion contributes essential aromatic flavor that permeates the entire dish. The onions soften during baking, becoming sweet and tender. Yellow or white onions work best in this recipe, but red onions could add a slightly different flavor profile.
Diced tomatoes provide moisture, acidity, and rich flavor that ties all the ingredients together. The juice from the canned tomatoes helps cook the potatoes to perfection. For a spicier version, you could use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all the other ingredients. Season to your family’s taste preferences.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Top with half of the onions, bell peppers, beef, and tomatoes. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- (Optional) Uncover, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Tex-Mex Version: Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the ground beef and include a layer of black beans. Top with Mexican cheese blend and serve with sour cream and sliced avocado.
Italian Style: Season the beef with Italian herbs, use fire-roasted tomatoes, and top with mozzarella cheese. Add a layer of sliced zucchini for extra vegetables.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like carrots or corn for more substance.
Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the layers and include breakfast sausage instead of ground beef for a morning twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve after a day in the fridge.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual servings in foil and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating from refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then reheat as above. If reheating directly from frozen, bake covered at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. Just cover with foil and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Do I need to boil the potatoes before adding them to the casserole?
No, there’s no need to pre-cook the potatoes. When sliced thinly (about 1/4-inch thick), they’ll cook perfectly in the oven with the moisture from the tomatoes and other ingredients.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. If using leaner meats like turkey, you might want to add a little olive oil when browning to prevent dryness.
What kind of cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with these flavors, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully. For a more gourmet version, try Gruyère or a combination of cheeses.
Why is my casserole watery?
This could happen if your tomatoes were particularly juicy or if the potatoes released excess moisture. Try draining the tomatoes slightly before adding, or for a thicker sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the ground beef while cooking.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This casserole is very forgiving. Consider adding corn, carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just be aware that some vegetables release more water when cooking, which might affect the consistency of your casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your canned tomatoes and any optional ingredients to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef while cooking. You could also use diced tomatoes with green chilies or a spicy tomato variety instead of regular diced tomatoes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Layer as directed in the recipe, cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. Add cheese during the last 15-30 minutes if desired.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a side of corn bread or biscuits.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole embodies the beauty of simple, hearty cooking. With minimal ingredients and effort, you create a satisfying dish that brings the entire family to the table. The layered approach allows the flavors to meld together during baking, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution or a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, this unpretentious casserole delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Its versatility means you can adapt it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
As with many of the best comfort food recipes, this dish doesn’t require culinary expertise—just basic ingredients and a little patience while it bakes to perfection. The result is a home-cooked meal that nourishes both body and soul, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals.
Print
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty 5-ingredient casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90%)
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-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 or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Top with half of the onions, bell peppers, beef, and tomatoes.
- Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- (Optional) Uncover, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, consider substituting the potatoes with zucchini or cauliflower slices.
- Add extra seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
