What is in Dolly's 5-ingredient casserole?

Dolly’s beloved casserole uses just five ingredients: ground beef, russet potatoes, sweet onions, canned diced tomatoes, and green bell peppers. These simple staples layer together into a hearty, comforting dish that’s both easy and deeply flavorful.

What makes Dolly Parton's casserole so popular?

Its charm is in the simplicity. The Dolly Parton 5-ingredient casserole recipe is affordable, uses ingredients most people already have, and delivers nostalgic, home-style flavor that feels like something your grandmother would make, in the best way.

What’s in a John Wayne casserole?

A John Wayne casserole typically includes ground beef, biscuit or crescent roll base, sour cream, cheese, and sometimes jalapeños or taco seasoning. It’s more of a Tex-Mex layered bake; spicier and richer than Dolly’s version, but also comforting in its own way.

What is a three sister casserole?

A Three Sister casserole draws from Native American cooking traditions and usually includes corn, beans, and squash; the “three sisters” of indigenous agriculture. It’s a wholesome, earthy vegetarian dish built on balance and nutrition.

Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe: A Wonder You’ll Love

Name: Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (85 or 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: 1 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, pepperoncini

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef (85 or 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: 1 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, pepperoncini

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown ground beef in skillet; season and drain excess fat.
3. Layer sliced potatoes in greased 9×13 dish.
4. Top with onions, bell peppers, beef, and tomatoes.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
6. Add optional butter and seasonings between layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake 45–55 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake additional 10–15 minutes.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth.

Can be prepped in advance and refrigerated until baking.

Great with side salad or rolls.

Author: Chef Saly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg