Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole Will Blow Your Mind in 35 Minutes

I’ve always adored Dolly Parton’s no-nonsense approach to life—simple, heartfelt, and full of flavor. That’s exactly what you get with her famous 5-ingredient casserole. This dish is pure comfort in a baking dish, the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. And let me tell you, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just a handful of ingredients, a quick stir, and into the oven it goes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and delicious. Trust me, even Dolly would approve of how effortless and satisfying this is!

Why You’ll Love Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Oh honey, let me count the ways this casserole will steal your heart—just like Dolly’s music! Here’s why it’s my go-to weeknight lifesaver:

• It’s faster than a line dance: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat—even quicker if you’ve got those onions pre-chopped!
• Pantry magic: Uses ingredients you probably already have (who doesn’t keep cream of mushroom soup for emergencies?)
• Kid-approved goodness: My picky eaters gobble it up, veggies and all—that cheese blanket works wonders!
• Leftover gold: Tastes even better next day (if there’s any left—good luck with that!)

Seriously y’all, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a superstar without breaking a sweat. Now that’s what I call Dolly-approved efficiency!

Ingredients for Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Gather these simple staples—each one plays a special role in creating that signature Dolly-worthy comfort:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): That little bit of fat keeps everything juicy and flavorful
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (condensed): The creamy glue that holds this masterpiece together
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (packed): Measure with your heart—I always sneak in an extra handful!
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: About the size of a baseball, but trust your instincts
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (unthawed): Straight from the freezer bag—no thawing needed

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Listen sugar, life happens—here’s how to adapt when your pantry rebels:

• Ground turkey works if you’re watching calories, but add a teaspoon of oil since it’s leaner
• Fresh veggies? Absolutely! Just sauté carrots and peas with the onions first
• Gluten-free friends—use your favorite condensed soup alternative (but watch the liquid content)
• That cheese? Sharp cheddar kicks it up, but Colby Jack makes a mighty fine substitute

One golden rule—avoid watery additions! That means draining any canned veggies thoroughly and patting fresh ones dry. We want cozy, not soggy!

How to Make Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Alright darlin’, let’s get this party started! I’m gonna walk you through making this casserole step by step—it’s so easy you could do it half-asleep (though I don’t recommend cooking while napping!). Here’s how we turn five simple ingredients into pure comfort magic:

Step 1: Prep & Brown the Beef

First things first—preheat that oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab your trusty skillet (I prefer cast iron for extra flavor) and brown that ground beef with the chopped onions over medium heat. You’ll know it’s perfect when the onions turn translucent and the beef loses its pink color—about 5-7 minutes. Now here’s my little trick: tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease. We want flavor, not a grease puddle!

Step 2: Combine & Layer

Transfer your beef mixture to a 9×13 baking dish—no need to grease it, we’ve got plenty of flavor coming! Now stir in that can of cream of mushroom soup (don’t dilute it!) and your frozen veggies straight from the bag. Mix it all up real good until everything’s coated in that creamy goodness. Then comes the best part—sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese evenly over the top like you’re frosting a cake!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty in the oven and set your timer for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted into golden bubbly perfection and the edges are just starting to brown. Oh, that smell will have everyone crowding in the kitchen—I guarantee it! Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (if you can resist—I never can!).

Tips for the Best Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Listen up, sugar—I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count, and these little tricks make all the difference:

• Pat that beef dry: Blotting the browned meat with a paper towel removes excess grease without losing flavor
• Let it rest: Those 5 minutes after baking let the flavors settle—hardest wait of your life, but worth it!
• Cheese strategy: Reserve a handful to sprinkle on during the last 5 minutes for extra melty goodness
• Brown those onions: Cook them until they’re golden sweet—none of that pale, crunchy nonsense!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a casserole fit for Dolly’s dinner table—simple as that!

Serving Suggestions for Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Now honey, this casserole stands proud all on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here’s how I like to serve it up:

• Crusty garlic bread for dipping into those cheesy edges
• A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Sweet cornbread muffins—because everything’s better with cornbread!

Truth be told though? Sometimes we just grab forks and dig right into the baking dish—no shame in that game!

Storage & Reheating

Now darlin’, let’s talk leftovers—because this casserole tastes even better the next day! Store any extra (if you’re lucky enough to have some) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, freeze portions flat in freezer bags—they’ll stay good for about a month.

When you’re ready for round two, reheat it covered with foil at 350°F until it’s piping hot (about 15 minutes for fridge-cold, 25 from frozen). Pro tip: sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top before reheating to bring back that gooey magic!

Nutritional Information

Now sugar, I ain’t a nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in this cozy casserole (estimates vary based on your ingredients and brands): Each hearty serving packs about 380 calories, with 22g fat and a whopping 28g protein to keep you satisfied. Remember – comfort food feeds the soul first, the body second!

FAQ About Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole

Bless your heart for asking—here are answers to the questions I get most about this easy-peasy casserole:

• Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just sauté carrots, peas, or whatever you’ve got with the onions first to soften them up. Nobody wants crunchy surprises in their comfort food!
• What if I want to jazz it up with spices? Honey, a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder works wonders. Feeling wild? A dash of smoked paprika makes it sing!
• Can I make this ahead for busy nights? You bet! Assemble everything (except baking), cover tight with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to bake time when you’re ready.
• Will it work in a slow cooker? Bless your ambitious heart—but nope! That cream soup needs oven heat to thicken right. Trust me on this one!

Remember y’all—this recipe’s as flexible as Dolly’s wigs, so make it your own!

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out! Did you add your own special twist? Drop me a note below—recipes taste better when we share the stories behind them.

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