Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share my Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole! Inspired by the legendary country star, this dish is all about simplicity and comfort. I remember the first time I tried a casserole like this at a potluck—it was so hearty and delicious that I just had to recreate it at home. With only five ingredients, this casserole is not just easy to whip up, but it’s also a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, this recipe has got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it is to eat!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
How to Prepare the Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden finish. While the oven heats up, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. You’ll want to make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the ground beef. This way, it’ll brown beautifully and give you that rich flavor we all love!
Combine Ingredients
Once your ground beef is browned and cooked through—don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—it’s time to bring everything together. In the same skillet, add in the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked elbow macaroni, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and coated in that creamy goodness. It’s going to smell amazing! Now, transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will do just fine.
Baking Instructions
Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top. If you want, you can give it a little extra time under the broiler for a minute or two to make that cheese extra crispy, just keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving up those hearty portions. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success
To make your Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole truly shine, here are a few tips! First, don’t skip the step of draining the ground beef; it helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or even shredded chicken for a lighter twist. You can also mix in some spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to amp up the flavor. Oh, and if you have some leftover veggies in your fridge, toss them in! Things like corn or bell peppers would work beautifully. Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking—it helps it set up nicely and makes serving a breeze. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for each serving of my delicious Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a great idea of what you’re working with:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a good balance of protein and carbs to keep you energized. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef or just want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey or even shredded chicken. Both options will give you a lighter version of the Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole while still keeping it delicious. Just make sure to cook them through before mixing in with the other ingredients, and you’ll be good to go!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add some sides, I’ve got you covered! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully. You could also serve it with some garlic bread for that extra comforting touch. If you want to keep it classic, steamed broccoli or a medley of roasted vegetables would complement the casserole nicely. Yum!
How should I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool down, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, just pop it in the microwave or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. Don’t worry, it’ll still taste just as delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Easy to Cook: The straightforward steps mean that even novice cooks can whip this up without stress. Just brown the meat, mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of creamy soup, hearty beef, and melty cheese creates an irresistible flavor that warms the soul. It’s like a hug on a plate!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand, whether it’s swapping ingredients or adding your favorite spices for an extra kick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit! Whether you’re serving family or friends, everyone will love the deliciousness and the nostalgia it brings.
- Leftover Friendly: Not only does it taste great fresh out of the oven, but it also makes fantastic leftovers that are just as comforting the next day.
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining the beef
- Oven mitts for safe handling
- Plastic wrap or airtight container for storing leftovers
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is a breeze! Once it’s cooled down a bit, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, which is perfect for meal prep or enjoying those hearty leftovers!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is key to keeping that comforting taste and texture. For the best results, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is all melty again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to avoid splatters, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking. Either way, you’re in for a treat that tastes just as good as when it first came out of the oven!
Print
Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole: Simple Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious casserole inspired by Dolly Parton, made with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Add soup, cheese, macaroni, and vegetables to the skillet.
- Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey for beef.
- You can add spices for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole