Is the Queen of Country also the queen of cooking? We put this Dolly Parton casserole to the test!
We Tried Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Casserole, and Now We’re Making It on Repeat
Updated on Jan. 09, 2024
Dolly Parton has written and performed plenty of chart-topping country songs. She’s also made countless appearances on TV (like this Netflix Christmas musical), along with penning several books. To us, though, Dolly is famous for her chicken and dumplings as she is for “Jolene.”
This Dolly Parton casserole recipe is rumored to be one of her signature dishes. It’s made up of simple ingredients, jam-packed with potatoes, ground beef and vegetables to make the ultimate comfort food. It’s not fancy, but sometimes, the beauty of a dish is its simplicity.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and seasoned
- 2 onions, sliced and rings separated
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1-1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
- Salt and pepper, generously to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prep your baking dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the potatoes and ground beef
Spread an even layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Season with plenty of salt and pepper on top. Top the potato layer with the browned ground beef.
Step 3: Add the sliced onions
Top the ground beef layer with a layer of sliced onions and season generously.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes
Top the onion layer with an even layer of diced tomatoes and season generously.
Step 5: Sprinkle the green peppers
Top the tomato layer with chopped green bell peppers.
Step 6: Time to bake!
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake this Dolly Parton casserole, covered, for two hours. Then remove the dish from the oven, uncover and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Have room for desserts? Try making this cuppa cake from Steel Magnolias.
Here’s What I Thought
If you’re looking for cold-weather comfort food, this is it. This recipe is easy to follow and comes together with just a few minutes of prep time. The most time-consuming part is slicing and dicing the vegetables, but once that’s done, it’s up to the oven to do the majority of the work.
The most important thing to remember for this recipe is seasoning, seasoning, seasoning. Each ingredient is bland on its own, and you’ll end up with a flavorless dish if you skip the salt and pepper. You might even want to switch things up and use garlic salt or herbs! Be sure to season the ground beef while it’s cooking, and then continue with plenty of seasoning on each layer so you end up with flavor throughout. Dolly Parton definitely has a hit with this recipe, but it will be up to the seasonings you choose to make it a chart-topper! Want to try more of Dolly Parton’s recipes? Learn how to make her favorite pecan chicken salad.
Hearty Casseroles for Cold Days
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Chicken Potpie Casserole
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Apple Butter Bread PuddingThis is one of my mother's best fall casserole recipes! I'm sure your family will be delighted with it, too. Serve it as a dessert or a very special breakfast treat. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Creamy Reuben CasseroleThis easy Reuben casserole lets you enjoy all the flavors of your favorite sandwich in one massive dish. Grab your forks and bibs!
Italian Pasta BakeWhether feeding a small army or just your very hungry family, this pasta bake recipe never fails to satisfy.
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Turkey Shepherd’s PieWe live way out in the county, and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I've become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes like this turkey shepherd's pie. —Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine
Vegan Green Bean CasseroleBursting with savory mushrooms and green beans in a creamy sauce, vegan green bean casserole tastes just as good as the classic dish.
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Special Squash CasseroleSquash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan
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Overnight Pumpkin French Toast CasseroleFall casserole recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
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Spaghetti Squash Meatball CasseroleOne of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Tuna Mushroom CasseroleI love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite.
—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California
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Chicken and Chiles CasseroleNeed hearty fall casserole recipes? This bake makes good use of leftover meat and is very filling. —Lois Keel, Alburquerque, New Mexico
Farmer’s CasseroleThis brunch-friendly make-ahead farmer's casserole is a hearty combination of hash brown potatoes, Monterey jack cheese, ham and eggs.
Artichoke Ratatouille ChickenI loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Tomato, Sausage & Cheddar Bread PuddingThis savory dish is the perfect excuse to have bread pudding as the main meal, not merely afterward as dessert. — Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia
Broccoli Tuna CasseroleWhen I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
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Vegetable StrataWe always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
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Chicken Broccoli CasseroleWhen you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
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Eggplant Sausage CasseroleIf you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. —Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California
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Potluck Cordon Bleu CasserolePeople usually ask me to bring this tempting casserole whenever I'm invited to attend a potluck. The turkey, ham and cheese are delectable combined with the crunchy topping. And when I bake a turkey, I prepare the leftovers for this dish, knowing I'll be making it again soon. —Joyce Paul, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Turkey Spaghetti CasseroleMy mom made this creamy and comforting dish while I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple yet tasty meal. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio
Eggs Florentine CasseroleFor a holiday brunch, I make this variation on a classic eggs Florentine recipe, adding sausage and spinach to make a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chiles, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia
Chicken Cornbread CasseroleWhy not use your leftovers to create a delicious chicken cornbread casserole? The crispy topping and creamy center will make for a comforting and nostalgic dinner.
Broccoli CasseroleThis classic cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a timeless family favorite. It requires only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time for a quick and easy dinner.
