Let me tell you about a casserole that’s as comforting as Dolly Parton herself! This Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the definition of easy, delicious, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out. Imagine a cheesy, savory casserole that’s quick to make and leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe). Seriously, you’re going to love this one. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll keep it on rotation for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the creamy texture to the savory flavors, every bite feels like a little slice of comfort. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
- Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something easy to serve at a party, this casserole does it all. It’s simple yet perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spoil yourself with comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: With just five ingredients (that you probably already have in your kitchen), this dish is as easy on the wallet as it is on the taste buds. It’s proof that simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
- Quick and Easy: Let’s face it—sometimes, we want something that’s both delicious and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you just want to make something tasty with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily add your own spin to this dish. Want to make it spicier? Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Love more cheese? Go ahead and pile it on. The beauty of this casserole is how flexible it is.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich, cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to please everyone—kids, adults, picky eaters, you name it. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, so be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!

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Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef
The hearty base of the casserole. Ground beef adds rich, savory flavor that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese
Melted to perfection, cheddar brings a creamy, gooey texture that makes this casserole irresistible.
Biscuits
Yes, you heard that right! Biscuits form the heart of this dish, adding a flaky texture and a satisfying bite that complements the other ingredients.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
This pantry staple gives the casserole its creamy consistency and adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
Milk
A splash of milk to bring it all together, helping the flavors blend seamlessly into a rich, comforting casserole.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. This ensures even cooking and gives your casserole that perfect golden-brown finish.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, and then set the beef aside.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed and creamy.
Prepare the Biscuit Layer
In a separate bowl, break apart the biscuits and layer them at the bottom of a greased casserole dish. This will be the base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Assemble the Casserole
Now, pour the beef mixture over the biscuit layer. Spread it out evenly, making sure it’s covered. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, then pop it into the oven.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for the recommended time, keeping an eye on it so the cheese melts and the top becomes bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Slice it up, serve warm, and get ready for the rave reviews
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to go all out, here are a few sides that pair wonderfully:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Crusty Bread: Nothing beats warm, crusty bread to help scoop up the cheesy goodness of the casserole. Serve it with some garlic butter for an extra treat.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli would bring some color and nutrition to balance the richness of the dish.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cut through the richness and add a little tang.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you want to make this casserole even easier, prep the ingredients the night before. Cook the beef, mix the soup and milk, and store it in the fridge for the next day.
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Reheat it gently to maintain that creamy texture.
- Double the Batch: This casserole freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze the second one for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey would work just fine. It’s a great lighter option if you prefer it over beef.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep it delicious.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Definitely! It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight and bake as directed.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough casserole dish and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits. Just make sure to check the labels of all other ingredients.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A8: Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are perfect partners for this dish.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use lean ground turkey, low-fat milk, and light biscuits to reduce the calories. You can also add more vegetables for extra nutrients.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even cooking and a golden, bubbly top.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. With its easy prep, hearty flavors, and creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Plus, it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as a Dolly Parton song!
PrintThe Ultimate Comfort Dish
This hearty and flavorful casserole is made with simple ingredients like lean ground beef, russet potatoes, and fire-roasted tomatoes, topped with green bell peppers and onions. A delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 pound lean ground beef (85 or 90%)
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3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
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2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
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1 can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
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2 medium green bell peppers, diced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional additions:
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1 tablespoon diced butter
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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Pepperoncini (optional)
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper if desired.
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Layer the Casserole:
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Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Season with salt, pepper, and add butter if using.
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Top with the cooked ground beef, then add the sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes and scatter the diced green bell peppers over the top.
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Bake:
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
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Serve:
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Remove from the oven, and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make casserole!
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Notes
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You can add crushed red pepper or pepperoncini for extra flavor and spice.
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For an even richer casserole, add some cheese on top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
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This dish can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size and optional ingredients)
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg