Dolly Parton's 5-Ingredient, 5-Layer Casserole
Dolly Parton's 5-Ingredient, 5-Layer Casserole is a simple, hearty dish featuring layers of sliced russet potatoes, cooked ground beef, onions, diced tomatoes, and green bell peppers. Season each layer well with salt and pepper (and optional spices like garlic powder and crushed red pepper for extra flavor). Bake the covered casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours until everything is tender.
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 additions:
- 1 tablespoon diced butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Pepperoncini for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Stir in garlic powder and crushed red pepper if using.
- Prepare the layers:
- Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of sliced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Add diced butter if using.
- Layer the cooked beef evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the sliced onions over the beef. Season again lightly.
- Spread the diced tomatoes (with their juices) over the onions.
- Top with diced green bell peppers.
- Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, until everything is tender and flavorful.
- Optional Garnish:
- For extra flavor, finish with chopped pepperoncini and a splash of the brine from the jar after baking.