Name: Dolly Parton's 5-Ingredient Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 pound ground beef, cooked; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Ever been too tired to bother with supper, but you’re craving that comforting, home-cooked magic? Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole will save your skin. Trust me, if you love down-home dishes like the best summer squash casserole with Ritz crackers or even a cheesy ground beef stroganoff pasta casserole, you’ll get why I keep running back to this. You don’t have to be a pro, either. The beauty is in its simplicity. It’s the sort of thing you toss in the oven, sigh with relief, and wait for your house to start smelling like your grandma’s on Sunday.

What Is Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?

So, what is this magical casserole? Well, it’s comfort food at its easiest. There’s nothing wild or fancy here. You’re looking at layers of basic ingredients—think potatoes, ground beef, onion, creamed soup, and cheddar cheese. That’s it. No kidding. It hits all the right notes: creamy, hearty, gooey. If you ask me, five-star restaurants wish they could make a casserole that feels this cozy.

This casserole gets its “5-layer” name from how you just build it up. Potato slices first, then beef (already cooked—do not skip or you’ll be sad), soup, onion, a big sprinkle of cheese. Repeat till you run out. No tricky steps; you just stack, bake, and wait.

It’s easy to see why folks return to Dolly’s recipes. She grew up on Southern classics, and you taste that humble spirit in every bite. Dang if I haven’t made this, taken it to a potluck, and left with an empty pan. Folks always ask for the secret. The secret is letting those layers do their thing.

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Casserole Your Own

Honestly, I like tweaking a classic—sometimes you’ve just gotta do what works with what’s in your fridge. That’s half the fun! If you swap a can of mushroom soup for chicken, nobody’s calling the casserole police. Out of cheddar? Sharp provolone works, or go wild and use pepper jack. My neighbor tossed in some garlic powder and it rocked.

Maybe you don’t eat beef—fine. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work just fine here. I’ve even bulked it up with zucchini (when my garden went bananas last year) and it turned out pretty dang tasty. Want more color? Add a handful of frozen peas or corn between layers. The base is forgiving, almost impossible to mess up—just don’t overthink it.

Big tip: seasoning! Salt and black pepper matter, folks. You’d be shocked how much flavor you’ll pull out of such short prep if you remember them. Don’t be afraid to freestyle—Dolly would want you to make it yours.

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

Alright, real talk—I’ve made a lot of casseroles in my day. Some fancier than others. This one? It’s a lifesaver, and honestly, it wows people way more than my “impressive” recipes. There’s something so warm and nostalgic about it—takes me straight back to rainy nights in Tennessee.

Is it pretty? Not really. It’s kind of a cozy mess (the good kind). But does it taste like a hug? Absolutely. The gooey cheese browns up, you get those soft potato bites, beefy flavor all through. It’s not complicated food—just soul-happy food. I’d sooner eat this at a family get-together than any steakhouse, and I’m not even kidding.

I brought this casserole to our Sunday potluck and my cousin—who swears by her from-scratch meals—told me it was better than hers! That’s big praise. She wanted the recipe on the spot.

Clean-up’s quick too. And leftovers? Heat up beautifully. That’s the mark of a winner for me.

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

Slice the potatoes thin. Too thick and they’ll stay crunchy (ick).
Brown your beef with the onions, not after. Saves you a wash-up and adds flavor.
Don’t skimp on the cheese, ever. More cheese equals more smiles.

You’ll Also Love

If you’re into baking up hearty, easy meals, check out the classic easy yellow squash casserole if you want something lighter but still Southern, or try a walking taco casserole recipe for a fun twist—kids are obsessed. Both are big wins whenever I’m short on time, or patience.

Common Questions

Do I have to use ground beef, or can I swap it?
You can swap for ground turkey or veggie crumbles, no problem. Just cook it first!

Can I prep this in advance?
Definitely. Assemble it, cover, then stash in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze before baking. Thaw and bake when you’re ready to eat.

What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch dish is perfect. If you only have smaller, just split the layers between two pans.

Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Frozen corn, peas, or spinach work great mixed in.

Serve Up Some Simple Magic Tonight

So, there you have it. Five ingredients, no fuss, and plenty of room for swapping in your own style—Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the real deal. Recipes like this are why I keep saying simple food is often the best food. Want more cozy ideas or comparisons? Check out Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole Is 5 Layers of Comfort for even more inspiration, or wander through Allrecipes for creative dinner fixes. Don’t forget to peek at Dolly’s classic recipes for more tried-and-true stuff. So get in the kitchen, throw it all together, and see why this one keeps making folks smile.

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