Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Dolly Parton is known for her incredible talent, heartwarming personality, and, of course, her southern charm. This 5-Ingredient Casserole is a perfect reflection of her style: simple, comforting, and downright delicious. With just five basic ingredients, this casserole brings the kind of flavor you’d expect from a homemade southern meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or need a quick and easy dinner for the family, this casserole will become a go-to recipe in no time.

Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Quick & Easy: With only five ingredients, this dish is a breeze to prepare. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time with minimal effort.

Comforting & Flavorful: The flavors meld together beautifully as the casserole bakes, giving you that comforting, home-cooked meal feel.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples, this casserole is not only quick and tasty but also super affordable.

Perfect for Busy Nights: Whether you’re short on time or just want a low-maintenance dinner, this casserole has got you covered.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef – The star of this casserole! You’ll want a good, lean ground beef for the best flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This helps create a creamy base and adds rich flavor.
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen tater tots – These crispy, golden tots add texture and heartiness to the casserole.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, melty cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
• 1 small onion, chopped – Adds a little extra flavor and depth to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.

3. Add Soup:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and mix everything together until the beef and onion are coated in the soup. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4. Layer the Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering it completely.

5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, making sure to evenly distribute it.

6. Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 12%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

For Dinner: Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

For Potlucks or Family Gatherings: This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. It’s easy to make in large batches!

With Bread: Pair this with some warm, buttery bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Additional Tips

Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or carrots to the beef mixture before baking.

Swap the Soup: You can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Use Ground Turkey: If you prefer a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey.

Top with Sour Cream: After baking, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or chives for extra flavor.

Make it Spicy: Add a little jalapeño or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a spicy kick!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A1: You could use thinly sliced fresh potatoes, but tater tots work best for this recipe as they crisp up nicely in the oven. You’ll need to adjust the baking time if using fresh potatoes.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A3: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Of course! You can swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites.

Q5: How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A5: Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans.

Q6: Can I add more ingredients?
A6: Feel free to customize the casserole! Add bacon, sausage, or even green chiles for extra flavor.

Q7: How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
A7: If you like your tater tots super crispy, you can bake them separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to ensure they crisp up even more during the final bake.

Q8: How long should I bake this if I’m doubling the recipe?
A8: If you double the recipe, you’ll need to bake the casserole for about 45-50 minutes, but make sure to check the tater tots for crispiness and the cheese for melting.

Q9: Can I use a different type of soup?
A9: Yes! You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make this casserole with ground beef that’s already cooked?
A10: Yes, if you have pre-cooked ground beef, simply skip the browning step and proceed with adding the soup and other ingredients.

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a classic example of a simple yet delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time to make. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s bound to impress anyone you serve it to!

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