Spread the love

Some days you just want dinner to be easy. Not “takes hours, leaves you broke, and fifteen dirty pans” easy. Nope. I mean real, homey, stick-to-your-ribs easy. The Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole by Dolly Parton fills that need like nothing else. After a rainy Tuesday, a tough workday, or wrangling kids who refuse to eat anything green, you’ll wish every dinner started here. If this sounds like your kind of comfort, get cozy. For more simple recipes, check out this beef and macaroni casserole I’ve raved about before.

What Is Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?

Let’s break it down, neighbor-style. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the kind of baked dinner your grandma might have whipped up back when butter was king and shortcuts were a blessing. The deal? You only need five things. That’s it. Not seven. Not eleven. Five.

We’re talking about big southern casseroles with layers. Usually, it’s ground beef (or turkey if you wanna lighten things up) and canned tomatoes, plus thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a shower of cheddar cheese on top. It gets a little steamy in the oven, bubbling and turning crispy on the edges. It’s nothing fancy, yet it still tastes like a five-star restaurant to me. Did I mention there’s barely any cleanup?

Plus, you’re not fussing over spices or technique. Just a bit of salt and pepper handles the flavor, and you can toss it together even if the dog is barking and your phone’s dinging with texts.

Someone said – and I gotta agree – “I love it because it tastes like a big, edible hug.”

This dish was so easy, even with my three kids running wild. My husband went back for seconds—actually, thirds! Comfort food at its finest.

{table_seo;}

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Casserole Your Own

Here’s the fun (chaotic) part. My cousin Missy swaps in sweet potatoes. Sometimes I chuck in frozen peas or a leftover can of corn, just to use ‘em up. Hate onions? Don’t use ’em. Want more zing? Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or taco seasoning.

The beauty is, it’s open-door. You control the tunes.

I’ll sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if I’m feeling spicy, or even layer in some tortilla chips on top for crunch. Also, if you’re feeling really southern, a spoonful of sour cream right before serving makes it extra creamy. (My grandma would call that cheating, but delicious cheating.)

Best part? You can make it ahead, park it in the fridge, then bake it off when you get home. Perfect for busy nights, right? If you’re craving more ideas, take a peek at this creamy taco casserole delicious easy recipe that works as a custom family pleaser.

My Honest Review of Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Dinner

OK, let’s talk honesty. The very first time I made this, I wasn’t expecting magic. I just wanted something warm and filling. But, wow. I took one bite, nearly did a double take, and, well, suddenly dinner turned downright cheery.

Here’s the thing. It’s not fussy, but it delivers in spades. It’s cheesy, hearty, and the potatoes basically soak up all that beefy tomato goodness. Sometimes I crave fancier food, but this? This knocks it out of the park nearly every single time.

There’s something wholesome and honest about five humble ingredients turning into a dinner your whole crew will fight over. (Be warned: leftovers disappear fast. File that under “good problems to have.”) My three-year-old asked, “Can we have the ‘Dolly’ dinner again?” Kid, you read my mind.

I’m obsessed. Never thought something so simple would make everyone happy at the table. Already made it twice this month. Thank you, Dolly!

3 Tips for Making Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Dinner

Alright, let me save you some trouble from my kitchen goof-ups:

Slice potatoes super thin so they bake quickly. Thick ones might come out crunchy in a bad way.
Pre-cook beef and onions together. Don’t dump ‘em in raw, unless you like a sad flavor.
Let it rest after baking. Just five minutes, I swear, makes it firm up and slice pretty. No hot-mess pile on your plate.

More to Love from The Kitchn

If you’re digging these comforting classics, there’s a literal casserole universe out there! For more inspiration, The Kitchn’s archive and other blogs are packed with new takes. Recipes like baked pastas, cheesy veggie bakes, and all the retro favorites still get a ton of love.

Honestly, if you loved Dolly’s recipe once, you might find yourself trying everything in sight. I spiral down the recipe rabbit hole way more often than I care to admit! But hey, life’s too short for boring dinners.

Common Questions

Can I freeze this casserole after baking?
Yep. Cool it completely, then cover it tight with foil. Just reheat in the oven until hot.

Do I have to use ground beef?
Not at all. Turkey, chicken, even a plant-based substitute work great.

Would it taste good with extra seasoning?
Totally. Basic is classic, but you can add whatever you like – try garlic, Italian herbs, or taco spices if you want a twist.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is the old standby, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella would all be tasty.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover, and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake when ready – almost too easy.

Why Dolly’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Is My Top Pick for Busy Nights

If you want a stress-free, family-pleasing dinner, Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole is pure gold. Seriously, try it once and you’ll see why people (not just me) keep it in their regular dinner lineup. Plus, if you want EVEN more ideas for fuss-free comfort, don’t skip recipes like the Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole Is 5 Layers of Comfort … or this Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole – Simple, Cheesy & Country …. Warm, easy, unfussy—what more can you ask for on a weeknight? Go ahead, grab those five ingredients, and make some dinnertime magic happen!

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Author: hamidkom
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

An easy, comforting casserole featuring just five ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 can diced tomatoes
2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, pre-cook the ground beef and onions until browned.
Layer the sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
Add the cooked beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes.
Pour the can of diced tomatoes over the mixture.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute other vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Consider adding spices for additional flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American