Description: A hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple casserole that captures the essence of Southern home cooking. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. This recipe expands slightly on Dolly’s original, adding a few optional ingredients to deepen the flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional additions: 1 tablespoon diced butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, pepperoncini for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is important for preventing a greasy casserole. Return the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine the seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Begin layering the casserole. Place the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping them slightly to create a good base. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and dot with the diced butter (if using). The butter adds a touch of richness to the potatoes as they bake.
Step 5: Top the potatoes with the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly over the surface. Then, add the sliced onions over the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Pour the diced tomatoes over the onions, distributing them evenly. Finally, sprinkle the diced bell peppers over the tomatoes. If desired, arrange pepperoncini on top for added flavor and a slight kick.
Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the steam and ensures that the potatoes and vegetables cook evenly and become tender.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. The long cooking time allows the potatoes to become fully cooked and tender, and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 9: Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly. This gives the casserole a more appealing color and texture.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Dolly Parton-inspired casserole is more than just a simple meal; it’s a taste of home. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients. It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze. The flavors are comforting and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet onions, and tangy tomatoes creates a balanced and delicious meal. Plus, it’s highly adaptable. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheese. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables, too. This casserole is also budget-friendly, using simple and affordable ingredients. And the long baking time makes the meat incredibly tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair it with a side salad or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy tanginess that complements the flavors of the casserole.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a truly Southern meal.
Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to regular diced tomatoes.
- To make it a complete meal, consider adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Don’t skip the foil cover during the initial baking period, as it’s crucial for even cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving to allow the flavors to meld further and the juices to redistribute.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg (can vary depending on added salt)
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with love and a little bit of time, can create something truly special. This recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will become a family favorite. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a hearty and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Question: Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?
- Answer: Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like carrots, celery, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you add vegetables that require longer to cook.
- Question: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
- Answer: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef as directed, then layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check the potatoes for doneness before serving.
- Question: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Answer: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Question: What if I don’t have sweet onions? Can I use another type of onion?
- Answer: Yes, you can use yellow or white onions in place of sweet onions. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You might consider caramelizing them lightly in the pan before assembling the casserole to mellow their flavor.
- Question: How can I make this casserole even healthier?
- Answer: To make this casserole healthier, you can use extra-lean ground beef (93% or leaner), reduce the amount of salt, and add more vegetables. You could also substitute sweet potatoes for some of the russet potatoes.
