Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a hearty, no-fuss dish that layers simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Combining lean ground beef, russet potatoes, green bell pepper, onion, and diced tomatoes, this casserole is baked slowly to meld the flavors into a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: Only five main components, making shopping and preparation straightforward.

• Easy Preparation: Simple layering technique requires no special cooking skills.

• Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, vegetables, and starch for a complete meal.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional spices or ingredients to suit personal tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean)

• 3 large russet potatoes, sliced ¼-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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Ground Beef:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:

     1. Sliced potatoes

     2. Cooked ground beef

     3. Chopped onions

     4. Diced tomatoes with their juice

     5. Chopped green bell peppers

   • Season each layer with salt and pepper as desired.Log in or sign up to view12 Tomatoes

4. Bake:

   • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.12 Tomatoes

5. Serve:

   • Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef for a spicier kick.

• Herb Infusion: Incorporate herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil into the layers for added flavor.

• Vegetable Mix: Include additional vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or zucchini for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions on high for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, down-home dish that layers ground beef, potatoes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes into a hearty and comforting bake. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this fuss-free casserole is a timeless favorite for busy families and weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean)

• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Layer half the potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Top with half the chopped bell pepper, onion, cooked ground beef, and half the diced tomatoes with juice.

• Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

• Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly browned.

• Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

---

Notes

• Add shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy version.

• You can prep this a day ahead and bake when ready.

• Pairs well with a green salad or cornbread.