Dolly Parton’s 5 Layer Casserole Recipe

Growing up in the 70's, casseroles were practically their own food group in my house. My mom had a favorite—some kind of ground beef concoction layered with mystery vegetables and a creamy tomato sauce, all tangled up with macaroni. It wasn’t exactly a showstopper, but man, did it hit the spot. And that’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon Dolly Parton’s five-ingredient, five-layer casserole. It’s not winning any beauty contests, but with a few tweaks, it’s as cozy and comforting as a big warm hug from the Queen of Country herself.

What Is Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?

This dish is as simple as it sounds, starting with a foundation of sliced russet potatoes (because if there’s one thing we know about Dolly, it’s that she loves her potatoes). Next comes a layer of cooked ground beef, followed by sweet onions, diced tomatoes, and green bell peppers. That’s it. Five layers, five ingredients. The whole thing gets tucked under some foil and bakes in a 350-degree F oven for—brace yourself—two hours. Yes, two whole hours. But trust me, it’s part of the magic.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t the kind of dish you whip out when company’s coming over, but it is the kind of meal you put on the table when you need something easy, hearty, and satisfying. It’s got everything in one dish—protein, carbs, and veggies—so you don’t have to scramble to throw together sides. And with just a few simple modifications, it transforms from a basic meat-and-potatoes situation to something truly crave-worthy.

How to Take This Casserole to the Next Level

Now, if you’ve looked up this recipe online, you might’ve noticed some grumbling about its lack of seasoning. I hear you. If you don’t properly season each layer, you’ll end up with something that tastes about as exciting as plain boiled potatoes. The key? A few small but mighty adjustments:

Season generously. Salt and pepper are a must, but don’t stop there. Adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper and half a teaspoon of garlic powder to the beef as it cooks gives it a serious boost of flavor. If you like a little heat, this one’s a no-brainer.

Butter makes everything better. When you layer those sliced russet potatoes in the baking dish, tuck in a tablespoon of diced butter. It melts into the potatoes as they bake, giving them an irresistibly rich flavor. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Brown that beef like you mean it. Instead of constantly stirring as the ground beef cooks, let it sit in the pan for a few minutes at a time before giving it a turn. This creates crispy, caramelized edges that add an extra layer of flavor. After you take the beef out, toss the onions into the same pan to soak up all the flavorful bits left behind. That little step makes a big difference.

Customize to your heart’s content. The base recipe is simple, which makes it the perfect blank canvas. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of plain? Yes, please. A handful of shredded cheese on top? Absolutely. A few pepperoncini and a splash of their briny juice for a bit of tang? Now we’re talking.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient, 5-Layer Casserole

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90%)
• 3 large russet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
• 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
• Pepperoncini, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink—about 8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper, if using.

Arrange the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper (and add the butter, if using).

Layer the cooked ground beef on top of the potatoes, followed by the onions. Season again with a bit more salt and pepper. Then add the diced tomatoes and green bell peppers.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.

Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with pepperoncini if you like a little extra kick.

The Verdict

This casserole is the definition of simple, no-fuss comfort food. It’s a dish that works on busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or any time you need something hearty without a ton of effort. Plus, it’s super flexible—feel free to make it your own with extra seasoning, different veggies, or a little cheese on top. Dolly knows a thing or two about keeping things classic, and this dish is proof that sometimes, the simplest meals really are the best.