When I made this Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish, the kitchen smelled warm and buttery right from the start.
It came together so easily—just a few simple ingredients turning into something cozy and delicious.
I remember tasting the first spoonful and thinking, “No wonder it’s a Dolly favorite.”
This dish is simple, comforting, and full of that old-fashioned Southern charm.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want homemade goodness without the fuss.
Let’s make it together—you’ll love how quick, easy, and heartwarming it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Just five main ingredients create a complete, filling meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Layers of seasoned beef and tender potatoes satisfy every time.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks together in one dish.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike enjoy this hearty casserole.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Need to feed more? Simply double the recipe and use a larger baking dish.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. If you can brown meat and slice potatoes, you can make this dish.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients for Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:
- Ground Beef (1.5 lbs): Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Use 80/20 for best taste.
- Russet Potatoes (4-5 medium): Slice thin for tender layers that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Onions (1 large): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Brings moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Green Bell Peppers (2 medium): Adds color, crunch, and a mild veggie flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for perfect flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Dots of butter on top create a golden finish.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth without extra prep.
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional, 1/2 teaspoon): For those who like a little kick.
- Pepperoncini (optional, for serving): Adds a tangy, pickled bite on the side.
Variations for Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish
- Add Cheese: Layer shredded cheddar or mozzarella between the potatoes for extra richness.
- Use Ground Turkey: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Try Sweet Potatoes: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra crushed red pepper for more heat.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: Substitute canned tomatoes with 2-3 fresh tomatoes, diced.
How to Make Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Dice the onion and chop the green bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Drain the canned diced tomatoes.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season the Meat Mixture
Add the diced onion and green bell peppers to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Create a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom, slightly overlapping. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Add another layer of potatoes, then the remaining beef mixture. Top with a final layer of potatoes.
5. Add Butter and Cover
Dot the top layer of potatoes with small pieces of butter. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the Casserole
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is lightly golden.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish
This hearty casserole works wonderfully as a complete meal or paired with simple sides:
- With a Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- With Cornbread: Southern-style cornbread makes a perfect companion.
- With Green Beans: Simple steamed or roasted green beans add color and nutrition.
- With Pepperoncini: Serve tangy pepperoncini on the side for a pickled contrast.
- With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds creamy coolness.
Decoration Ideas:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green.
- Add a light dusting of paprika before the final bake for color.
- Garnish individual servings with sliced green onions.
Storing Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator and add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices that cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Skip Draining: Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes and the cooked ground beef to prevent a watery casserole.
- Season Each Layer: Lightly season each potato layer with salt and pepper for flavor throughout.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork to ensure they’re tender before removing from the oven.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes makes it easier to cut and serve neat portions.
- Prevent Sticking: Grease your baking dish well or use non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Potassium | 890mg |
| Vitamin A | 12% DV |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 18% DV |
Based on 8 servings. Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintDolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish/Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Pepperoncini for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Peel and thinly slice potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Dice onion and chop bell peppers. Drain canned tomatoes.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer Casserole: Place a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping. Season with salt and pepper. Add half the beef mixture. Layer more potatoes, then remaining beef. Top with final potato layer.
- Add Butter: Dot the top with small pieces of butter. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Dish FAQs
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too. Avoid waxy potatoes as they don’t absorb flavors as nicely.
No, the raw potato slices cook perfectly in the oven as they bake with the beef mixture.
Absolutely. Use cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes and the cooked ground beef thoroughly. Also, slice potatoes thin so they release less moisture.
Yes, Italian seasoning, paprika, or Cajun spices would all work beautifully in this dish.
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the top should be lightly golden brown.
