Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole saved me on one of those nights when the fridge looked bare and everyone was hungry. You know when you want something cozy and homey, but you do not want to babysit a pan or scroll through a complicated recipe. This one is a total no-fuss bake that tastes like Sunday dinner even if you toss it together on a Tuesday. It is layered, savory, warm, and surprisingly light. If you have got ground beef, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and a bell pepper, you are basically done. Let me show you how I make it work for a real-life weeknight.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Midd Leeast Sector, and this Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole: A Cozy Family Favorite is a keeper: crowd-pleasing with no weird tricks. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole saved me on one of those nights when the fridge looked bare and everyone was hungry. You know when you want something…
What Is Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?
This dish is exactly what it sounds like, a simple, layered casserole built from five everyday ingredients that cook together in the oven. Think of it like a country-style baked dinner, where thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers mingle with juicy ground beef and tomatoes. Everything softens and soaks up those savory juices as it bakes. The result is tender, saucy, and comforting, with very little effort.
What I love most is how practical it is. The potatoes become buttery and soft; the beef seasons the whole dish; the tomatoes keep it from drying out; the peppers and onions add a sweet little bite. You get full, balanced flavor from pantry basics. And yes, it is just as good for leftovers the next day.
Why it works
The genius is in the layering. The potatoes sit at the bottom and absorb flavor while the steam from the tomatoes keeps everything moist. It is essentially a set-it-and-forget-it dinner. If you are a fan of recipes that feel like a hug without being heavy, this one belongs in your rotation.
“I threw this together on a busy Wednesday, and my picky eater asked for seconds. It is now our go-to when I do not feel like cooking but still want a real meal.”
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole also plays nicely with small tweaks, which I will share below. It is a keeper for anyone who loves satisfying food with minimal shopping or stress.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?
You only need five core ingredients. Pantry seasonings like salt and pepper do not count, so do not stress about that.
- Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Tomatoes, sliced or use a can of diced tomatoes, undrained
Season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder if you like. I usually add a drizzle of olive oil over the top to help the potatoes get tender.
If you are in a casserole mood and want a creamy veggie side to go with it, try this easy and crowd-pleasing cream cheese green bean casserole. It pairs so well with the savory layers here.
Pan and prep notes
Use a 9×13 baking dish if you want a thinner bake that cooks a bit faster or a deeper casserole dish for a heartier, thicker result. Slice the potatoes thin so they become tender in the oven. If you are using canned diced tomatoes, do not drain them, that liquid helps steam the potatoes.
How Do You Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish.
- Layer half the potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Scatter half the onions and half the bell peppers over the potatoes.
- Crumble half the ground beef over the veggies. Season again.
- Add half the tomatoes over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Finish with tomatoes.
- Drizzle a spoonful of olive oil over the top and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for about 75 to 90 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. If you want a little browning, uncover for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving so the layers settle.
It is a one-dish wonder, and the oven does the heavy lifting. If your crowd loves meat and potatoes, you might also enjoy this hearty smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole for another night.
Timing and doneness
Check a center slice of potato with a fork. It should slide in easily with no crunch. If your slices are a bit thick, just give it more time under the foil. Keeping it covered is key for tenderness.
For me, the sweet spot is 85 minutes total with a short uncovered finish. Every oven is a little different, so trust your fork test.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s Casserole Your Own
The base version is classic, but there are lots of little tweaks that keep it fresh. Here are a few ideas I have tried and loved or heard from readers.
Easy flavor add-ins
Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or Italian seasoning between layers for a different vibe. A handful of shredded cheddar on the top for the last 10 minutes turns it into a melty, cozy bake. If you like heat, a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes can do the trick without overpowering the dish.
Tomatoes: Fresh slices feel rustic and pretty, but canned diced tomatoes bring extra moisture. If you go canned, use the juice to help steam the potatoes.
Vegetables: Mushrooms or zucchini layer in beautifully. Just keep slices thin. If you are feeding a larger group and want a second side that still feels comforting, this Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole is an easy win and balances the plate.
Protein swaps: Ground turkey works well with a little olive oil for richness. For a more indulgent weekend take, the flavor in this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole might hit that cozy craving too.
Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try garlic powder and onion powder. You can even add a splash of Worcestershire or a spoon of tomato paste to the beef for deeper flavor if you want to push it a bit without adding complexity.
Make-ahead: Assemble in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, set it on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Leftovers reheat nicely in a warm oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you are in the mood to build a cozy menu around this bake, here are a few easy ideas that fit the same comfort zone. A crisp salad or buttered peas keep the plate light. A tangy slaw is great too.
Stick-with-you casseroles are my happy place. If you have pork chops on hand, this savory classic is a great follow-up dinner later in the week: Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole. If you want a veggie-forward option with creamy, cheesy vibes, bookmark this one for the holidays or any Sunday supper: Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole.
Common Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Yes. Slice them thin and keep the layering the same. They cook a bit faster and add a natural sweetness that is lovely with the beef and tomatoes.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
No. The beef cooks in the oven. If you want to reduce fat, you can quickly brown and drain it first, but it is not required.
What if I only have canned tomatoes?
Use them. Do not drain. The juice helps steam the potatoes, and the flavor is great. Diced or crushed both work.
Can I make it dairy-free and gluten-free?
It is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written, just check your seasoning blends. If you add cheese on top, choose your favorite dairy-free alternative.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to keep it moist.
A Friendly Little Sendoff
There is a reason Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole keeps popping up in family kitchens. It is practical, budget-friendly, and tastes like something your grandma might have taught you. If you want to compare notes or see another take, the version shared at Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole on 12 Tomatoes is a nice reference. However you slice it, this simple layered bake is the kind of dinner that makes a regular night feel special. I hope you try it soon and make it your own.
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Scatter half of the sliced onions and half of the bell peppers over the potatoes.
- Crumble half of the ground beef over the vegetables and season again.
- Add half of the tomatoes over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining tomatoes.
- Drizzle a spoonful of olive oil over the top and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for about 75 to 90 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- For a little browning, uncover for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers settle.
