Description: This hearty and comforting casserole, inspired by Dolly Parton’s down-to-earth cooking, is a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy way to get a delicious and flavorful meal on the table. We’ve added a few optional enhancements to elevate the flavors, but the core recipe remains true to its humble roots. This is stick-to-your-ribs cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean recommended)
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick (approximately 2-2.5 pounds)
- 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional additions:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced (for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for added savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- Pepperoncini peppers (for topping, providing a tangy kick)
Preparation:
The key to a great casserole is even cooking and maximum flavor infusion. These steps are designed to achieve just that.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature allows for a slow, even bake, ensuring the potatoes become tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish by lightly coating it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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 the beef is no longer pink, approximately 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Season the cooked ground beef generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is crucial, as the beef will flavor the entire casserole. If using the optional additions, stir in the garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes during the last minute of cooking. This will allow the garlic powder to bloom and the red pepper flakes to release their heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Begin layering the ingredients in the prepared baking dish. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using the optional diced butter, scatter the pieces evenly over the potatoes. The butter will melt and add richness to the bottom layer. The seasoning at each layer is essential to ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the casserole
Step 5: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato layer. Top with the sliced sweet onions, ensuring they are distributed evenly. Season the onions with salt and pepper. The sweet onions will caramelize during baking, adding a lovely sweetness to balance the savory elements. Add the diced tomatoes and bell peppers on top of the onion layer. The tomatoes will release their juices during baking, creating a flavorful sauce that will permeate the entire casserole. If using pepperoncini, place them on top of the other ingredients.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the steam and help the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil and check the tenderness of the potatoes with a fork. If the potatoes are not yet tender, continue baking uncovered for another 15-30 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork and the top of the casserole is lightly browned.
Why you will love this recipe:
This casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients. You’ll love it because:
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- It’s budget-friendly, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.
- It’s customizable – you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- It’s comforting and satisfying, a true taste of home-cooked goodness.
- It’s a complete meal in one dish, containing protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
- The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly delicious and cohesive dish.
- It’s a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Cooking Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for added tanginess and creaminess.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- This casserole is also great served with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- For best results, use a mandoline slicer to ensure even slices of potatoes and onions. This will help them cook more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- If you don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to regular diced tomatoes for a similar flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Just be sure to dice them finely so they cook through evenly.
- To make this casserole even easier, you can use pre-shredded cheese on top during the last 15-30 minutes of baking (if desired)
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
2 hours
Total Time:
2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 320-380 per serving (depending on added butter and toppings)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Sodium: Varies greatly depending on salt added.
Conclusion:
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole (with a few delightful additions) is a testament to the fact that simple doesn’t have to mean boring. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and customize. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect embodiment of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and made with love. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Question 1: Can I substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken?
- Answer: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be a great substitute for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as ground turkey and chicken tend to cook faster than ground beef. Also, ground turkey and chicken are lower in fat, so you may wish to add olive oil to the pan prior to cooking the meat.
- Question 2: I don’t have sweet onions. Can I use yellow onions instead?
- Answer: Yes, you can definitely use yellow onions if you don’t have sweet onions on hand. However, keep in mind that yellow onions have a stronger, more pungent flavor than sweet onions. You may want to sauté the yellow onions for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to mellow out their flavor.
- Question 3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Answer: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead of time! You can assemble the entire casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that the casserole is heated through.
- Question 4: What can I do if the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly?
- Answer: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, simply tent it with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking.
- Question 5: Can I add cheese to this casserole?
- Answer: Absolutely! Cheese would be a delicious addition to this casserole. You can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination of both over the top of the casserole during the last 15-30 minutes of baking, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a cheese sauce, which can be layered over the potatoes or added between layers. Use caution if adding salty cheese since the recipe already calls for adding salt.
