Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Description
If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that delivers classic comfort food flavor, this Dolly Parton-inspired 5-Ingredient Casserole is the perfect recipe. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, onions, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, this casserole comes together with very little prep work. As it bakes, the potatoes become perfectly tender, the beef stays juicy, and the rich tomato sauce blends everything into a warm, satisfying dish. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families, meal prep, or anyone craving a nostalgic homemade meal. Serve it with warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete and filling dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Optional Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir the chopped onion into the beef and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. In a bowl, mix together the condensed tomato soup and the diced tomatoes with their juices until well combined.
5. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
6. Spread half of the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
7. Spoon half of the tomato mixture over the beef.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and tomato sauce.
9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
10. Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and continue baking for 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly browned.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Ground turkey can easily replace ground beef for a lighter version.
• For extra richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully.
• Add chopped bell peppers or carrots if you’d like extra vegetables.

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 670mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with it?
A crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or warm biscuits pair perfectly with this comforting casserole.

Can I add cheese?
Definitely! A layer of cheddar or mozzarella adds an extra comforting touch without changing the simplicity of the recipe.