Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s both ridiculously easy and outrageously delicious. Enter Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole—a simple, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort with minimal effort. This casserole is like a warm hug from the queen of country herself! Whether you’re short on time or just craving something satisfying, trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or just indulging in a little Southern comfort food, this dish has you covered.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add your own spin by tossing in extra veggies, cheese, or protein.
Budget-Friendly: Only five simple ingredients—nothing fancy or expensive, just good old-fashioned pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules.
Customizable: Make it meatier, cheesier, or even a little spicy—this dish welcomes your personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish! It adds richness, flavor, and satisfying protein to keep you full.
Onion: A little sweetness, a little bite—onions bring out the best in this casserole.
Tomato Sauce: The simple base that ties everything together, adding a touch of acidity and richness.
Uncooked White Rice: It absorbs all those incredible flavors while cooking, making every bite perfectly tender.
Water: The secret ingredient that ensures the rice gets cooked to fluffy perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your casserole that perfect, baked-in goodness.
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart with a spatula, letting it get nice and crumbly. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, chopped onion, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and water. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. No need to overthink it—just make sure the rice is submerged in liquid so it cooks properly.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy
Dig in and enjoy this comforting dish! Whether you serve it as is or add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh herbs, it’s sure to be a winner.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 320
(Note: These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice is the perfect companion.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and extra nutrition with a side of roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds a creamy, tangy finish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Want extra flavor? Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the beef for a deeper taste.
- Cheesy variation: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking for a gooey upgrade.
- Make it healthier: Swap white rice for brown rice (just increase the baking time slightly) or add some diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers properly: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.
2. Do I have to cook the rice first?
Nope! The rice cooks perfectly in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop a portion in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist, or bake at 300°F until heated through.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
6. What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
You can substitute crushed tomatoes or even tomato soup for a slightly different taste.
7. How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
8. Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice will cook faster, but it may change the texture of the dish. Adjust liquid amounts accordingly.
9. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
10. Can I add cheese on top?
Of course! A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack before serving takes this dish to the next level.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is proof that simple recipes can be incredibly delicious. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little baking time, you get a warm, hearty dish that feels like home. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a potluck, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintDolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. This casserole combines five basic ingredients to create a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that can be served as a main or a side. It’s a crowd-pleaser and great for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 bag (12 oz) frozen hashbrowns
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen hashbrowns, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– You can use fresh cooked chicken if preferred.
– Feel free to add extra seasonings or toppings like green onions or bacon for added flavor.
– This casserole can be frozen for later use. Just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
