Deliciously Easy Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole
Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This Dolly Parton 5 Ingredient Casserole is the answer when you want comfort food that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort. It kind of looks like you did something culinary, even if your wardrobe still has yesterday’s socks on the floor.
If you like easy weeknight winners, check out this sweet and savory crescent roll casserole for another lazy-meets-delicious idea.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let us be real. Who has time for a million ingredients and 47 steps? Not you. Not me. This casserole gives you big flavor with minimal drama. It tastes like a warm hug from the casserole gods and IT IS IDIOT PROOF. Even if you burn toast monthly, you can nail this.
- It uses pantry staples that probably already live in your kitchen.
- It cooks fast and cleans up faster.
- It feeds a crowd, or it makes excellent leftovers for snacks at 10 pm.
- You can customize it in five seconds to match whatever mood you are in.
Big tip Never underestimate the power of simple ingredients treated well. The cream of mushroom soup holds everything together like the glue of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 2 cups cooked pasta such as elbow macaroni or rotini
Yes that is literally it. No, you do not need to Instagram this before you eat it. But you totally could.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the meat mixture with cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie move. Preheat it so your casserole cooks evenly.
- Overcooking the pasta. If you make your pasta mushy it ruins the texture. Cook it just to al dente.
- Skipping the juice from the diced tomatoes. That liquid keeps things saucy and delicious. Dump it in.
- Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Let things settle for a few minutes so the casserole heats through evenly.
- Forgetting to grease the dish. Clean-up gets mean when cheese bakes to the bottom.
If you avoid these small sins your casserole will come out like a champ. Trust me.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Want to swap things up? Cool. Here are easy swaps that keep the spirit of the dish while letting you improvise.
- Swap ground turkey for ground beef if you want richer flavor or pick turkey when you want it lighter. I do both depending on how I feel.
- Use diced tomatoes with green chilies if you want a gentle kick. Not spicy? Stick to plain diced tomatoes.
- No cream of mushroom soup? Try cream of chicken or a homemade roux with milk and broth. It still gets creamy.
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack if you want melty stretch or a touch of heat. Cheddar keeps it classic.
- Run out of pasta? Try cooked rice or small potatoes for a different texture. For a veggie-forward version see this creamy vegetable casserole which gives you ideas for swapping in more greens.
Personal note I once subbed in leftover rotini and added some frozen peas. Nobody complained and I called it a gourmet experiment.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q Why does this taste so good with such few ingredients
A Because comfort food loves simplicity. The canned soup brings creaminess and the tomatoes add brightness. Minimal effort maximum impact.
Q Can I make this ahead of time
A Sure. Assemble it, cover it, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you bake it, add a few extra minutes to account for cooler starting temp.
Q Can I use gluten free pasta
A Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten free pasta and cook it per package directions. Do not overcook or it will turn mushy in the casserole.
Q Is there a vegetarian version
A Yes swap the meat for a plant based ground meat or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. You still keep the canned soup for creaminess or use a dairy free alternative.
Q Can I freeze leftovers
A Yes freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
Q How can I make it healthier without losing flavor
A Use lean turkey and low sodium canned tomatoes. Add a cup of chopped spinach or a handful of frozen peas to bump up the nutrition. You will barely notice but your body might thank you.
Q Will this impress guests
A Heck yes. People love casseroles. It looks homey and tastes like effort without needing much of your time. Champagne optional.
Final Thoughts
This casserole proves that good food does not require drama. You mix, bake, and boom you eat. Feed your friends, feed your family, or feed that midnight snack monster that whispers your name. Either way you win.
Key tip Let it rest five minutes before you serve so the casserole sets a little. It slices cleaner and behaves better on plates.
Now go impress someone or yourself with this easy casserole. You earned a tiny victory tonight.
Conclusion
If you want to see the original riff behind this idea or grab another quick guide, check out Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole at 12 Tomatoes.
Print
Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Meat
Description
An easy and delicious casserole made with just five ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the meat mixture with cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
