I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Dolly Parton casserole recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and feeds a crowd. I first discovered this recipe on the internet, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and the fact that it uses ground beef, which is always a hit with my family. The original recipe came from Dolly Parton herself, and I’ve made a few tweaks over the years to suit our tastes.
The end result is a hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and it’s become a fun family activity that we all look forward to. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, so feel free to get creative!
As we all know, casseroles are a great way to use up leftovers, but this one is so good that we never have any leftovers – it disappears in minutes! The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce is pure magic. I’ve served it at potlucks, family gatherings, and even as a main course for dinner parties. It’s always a hit!
My husband raves about the flavors, and my kids ask for seconds (and thirds!) This recipe has been a game-changer for us – it’s become a staple in our meal planning rotation. I’ve even started experimenting with different variations to keep things interesting – like adding diced tomatoes or using leaner ground beef. But trust me when I say that the original recipe is still the best.
There’s just something about the combination of flavors that makes this dish irresistible. My family loves it when I make this casserole for dinner – they know they’re in for a treat! As much as I love cooking from scratch, this recipe has become a trusted go-to when time is short or energy levels are low. It’s also an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies – just load up on those colorful bell peppers and onions!
With its comforting aroma and satisfying flavors, this Dolly Parton casserole has earned its place in our hearts (and stomachs!)
Dolly Parton Casserole
4.6 from 592 votes
A hearty and comforting casserole inspired by Dolly Parton’s down-home cooking. This dish layers seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Topping
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
6Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
7Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8Reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
9Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Remove from heat.
11Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
13Drizzle with half of the melted butter and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
14Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
15Layer the remaining potato slices on top of the beef.
16Drizzle with the remaining melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
17Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the entire casserole, making sure to cover the top layer of potatoes.
18Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
19Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
20Continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.
21Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
22Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Watch Video Of How Dolly Parton Casserole Works
This Dolly Parton casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser – whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a party. The best part?
It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. My family loves helping me prepare the ingredients, making it a fun activity we all look forward to.
And let’s not forget about storage and reheating ideas – simply wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for later use. When reheating leftovers, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dolly Parton Casserole
Q: What type of ground beef should I use?
A: You can use either regular or lean ground beef – whichever you prefer will work just fine! If you’re watching your fat intake, leaner ground beef will be your best bet.
Q: Can I substitute other types of meat?
A: Yes! While ground beef is traditional in this recipe, you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
A: You can omit the flour altogether if you don’t have it on hand.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
A: No – this recipe contains ground beef and would not be suitable for vegetarians.
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