👑 Dolly Parton’s Classic 5-Layer Casserole: A Taste of Comfort Food Glory
Dolly Parton is the Queen of Country, and just like her music, her classic 5-Layer Casserole is a simple, satisfying melody of flavors. This down-home dish, sometimes called the "Five Layer Dinner," is a testament to comfort food at its finest: easy to prepare, economical, and bursting with honest, savory goodness. With layers of hearty beef, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables, this is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering.
🍽️ Recipe: Classic Dolly Parton's 5-Layer Casserole
This recipe uses just a few simple, everyday ingredients layered and baked to perfection.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Layer | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| 1 (Base) | Russet Potatoes | 3 large | Peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick) |
| Olive Oil | Drizzle | ||
| Kosher Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | Essential for seasoning each layer! | |
| 2 | Lean Ground Beef | 1 pound | Cooked and drained of excess grease |
| 3 | Onions | 2 large | Peeled and thinly sliced, rings separated |
| Kosher Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | ||
| 4 | Diced Tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Drained, or use 2 large fresh tomatoes, sliced |
| Kosher Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | (Skip salt if using salted canned tomatoes) | |
| 5 (Top) | Green Bell Peppers | 1 1/2 large | Chopped or thinly sliced |
| Kosher Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | ||
| Optional Flavor Boosters | Garlic powder, Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 tsp of each | Add to the ground beef layer for extra spice! |
🧑🍳 Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your layers of comfort!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, crumbling it with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Season the cooked beef with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you wish to add (like garlic powder or Italian seasoning).
Step 2: Build the Layers
The magic of this casserole is in the layering! Be sure to season each layer well as you go—this is what gives the final dish its incredible flavor.
- Layer 1 (Potatoes): Spread the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Layer 2 (Ground Beef): Spread the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
- Layer 3 (Onions): Arrange the sliced onions over the beef. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer 4 (Tomatoes): Top the onions with the drained diced tomatoes (or sliced fresh tomatoes). Season lightly with salt and pepper, being cautious if your canned tomatoes already contain salt.
- Layer 5 (Bell Peppers): Scatter the chopped green bell peppers over the top layer. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, allowing the potatoes to become perfectly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Bake for a generous 2 hours in the preheated oven. The long, slow cook time is essential for softening the raw potatoes and letting all the juices combine to form a natural, savory sauce.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
- Rest: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven (it will be very hot and bubbly). Let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve: Spoon out generous portions and enjoy this true slice of Southern comfort!
✨ Dolly's Tips for Casserole Perfection
- Season Every Layer: This is the most crucial step! Since there is no creamy sauce, liberally seasoning each ingredient layer with salt and pepper is key to preventing a bland casserole.
- Thick-Cut Potatoes: Don't slice your potatoes too thin (aim for about 1/4 inch). Thicker slices will hold up better and keep their texture after the long bake time, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Char the Beef: When browning the ground beef, let it sit in the hot pan without stirring for a few minutes to develop a slight golden-brown crust. This adds an important depth of savory flavor.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a little heat! A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on the finished dish can elevate the flavor profile.
This no-fuss, hearty casserole is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most delicious and comforting meals. Enjoy a taste of East Tennessee with every bite!
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