Dolly Parton Casserole – A 5-Ingredient Southern Classic

Need a comforting, budget-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup? This Dolly Parton Casserole checks every box. With just five core ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes—this hearty dish delivers vintage Southern flavor in a simple, no-fuss format.

Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing casserole with classic charm. Visit Serious Eats for tips on customizing your baked dishes with advanced techniques like sous vide fruit preparation.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton Casserole

This retro-style Dolly Parton Casserole is a hearty, one-pan dish made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, bell pepper, and tomatoes—perfect for family dinners and comforting weeknight meals.
Temps de préparation 15 minutes
Temps de cuisson 1 heure 10 minutes
Temps total 1 heure 25 minutes
Portions: 6 servings
Calories: 350

Ingrédients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85% or 90% lean
  • 3 large russet potatoes sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • shredded cheese optional, cheddar or mozzarella for topping
  • fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In the baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, cooked beef, and diced tomatoes (with juice).
  4. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients in the same order.
  5. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for more flavor. Swap in ground turkey or sweet potatoes for variations. Make ahead up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Freezer-friendly up to 2 months (baked or unbaked).

Why You’ll Love This Dolly Parton Casserole

This recipe is:

  • ✅ Made with affordable, everyday ingredients
  • 🥘 A one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknights
  • 💯 Great for meal prep, leftovers, or freezer storage
  • 🧓 Inspired by vintage comfort food traditions
  • 🧀 Easy to customize with cheese, spices, or different proteins

Need more no-fuss comfort food? Visit this turtle poke cake for a decadent dessert to pair with your hearty main.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% or 90%)
  • 3 large russet potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions: How to Make Dolly Parton’s Casserole

1. Preheat Oven

  • Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink.
  • Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

3. Layer the Ingredients

In the baking dish, layer in this order:

  • Half of the potato slices
  • Half of the onions and bell peppers
  • Half of the cooked beef
  • Half of the diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • Repeat with remaining ingredients

Visit Serious Eats for tips on customizing your baked dishes with advanced techniques like sous vide fruit preparation.

4. Bake Covered

  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Optional Cheese Topping

  • Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and return to the oven for 10 more minutes until bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve

  • Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Easy Variations

  • 🧄 Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning
  • 🍠 Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist
  • 🦃 Use ground turkey for a leaner, lighter version
  • 🧀 Mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for melty cheese goodness

Want a breakfast version? Visit this sausage egg casserole for a cheesy morning meal made in the same simple format.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze baked (or unbaked) for up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through

Perfect For…

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family dinners
  • 🍲 Potlucks or gatherings
  • 💵 Budget-conscious meal prep
  • ⏱️ Quick weeknight meals
  • 📦 Freezer-friendly batch cooking

Add a crisp side salad or garlic bread to round it out. For dessert, visit these gooey butter cookies and serve a sweet Southern classic alongside.

FAQs: Dolly Parton Casserole

Can I use canned potatoes?
Yes, but fresh potatoes give the best texture. Slice them thinly for faster baking.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! Leaving the skins on adds texture and saves time.

Is cheese necessary?
Not at all—it’s delicious with or without it, depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts: Southern Simplicity in Every Bite

This Dolly Parton Casserole is everything we love about classic comfort food—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big flavor. Whether you’re channeling a Southern kitchen or just looking for a warm, satisfying dish that the whole family will devour, this recipe fits the bill.

Add it to your weekly rotation, and let the retro vibes and hearty flavor do the rest.

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