Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, comforting meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is calling your name. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together—whether for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a nostalgic bite of Southern comfort. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel right at home with every forkful.
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Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Effortless & Quick: With just five ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for busy days when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday pantry staples, this recipe proves that you don’t need a long shopping list to create something delicious.
Comfort in Every Bite: A warm, cheesy, and hearty dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
Versatile & Customizable: While it shines as-is, you can easily tweak it with add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Here’s what makes this casserole so magical—just five simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, bringing in rich, meaty flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the casserole its signature creamy, comforting texture. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works just as well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and full of cheesy goodness. You can use mild, sharp, or even a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
Instant Rice: Cooks perfectly in the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors. White or brown instant rice both work.
Water: Helps the rice cook and keeps everything moist and tender.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting classic:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, instant rice, and water until everything is well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let It Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Then, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some serving suggestions:
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy, creamy goodness.
Steamed Veggies: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrition.
Southern Sides: Cornbread or mashed potatoes take this meal to the next level.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different spin.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice? A1: Instant rice works best because it cooks quickly. If using regular rice, pre-cook it before adding it to the casserole.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole? A2: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q3: What’s the best cheese to use? A3: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works well too.
Q4: Can I add veggies? A4: Absolutely! Stir in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
Q5: How can I make it healthier? A5: Use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-sodium soup option for a lighter version.
Q6: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A6: Yes! Cook the beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Q7: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? A7: Cream of chicken, cheddar soup, or even a homemade creamy sauce works great.
Q8: Can I double the recipe? A8: Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q9: What sides go best with this casserole? A9: A crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.
Q10: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? A10: Make sure it’s covered while baking and add an extra splash of water or milk if needed.
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is proof that simple recipes can be the most comforting. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let this Southern classic bring a little extra joy to your table!
Print
Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Potato Soup is loaded with savory sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth. It’s a warm and comforting meal perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup water
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4 medium gold potatoes, diced
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half (optional, for creaminess)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and water, then add potatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
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Finish with Spinach & Cream: Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted. Add heavy cream (if using) and stir to combine.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, skip the heavy cream or use coconut milk.
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Spice it up by using hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
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Make it heartier by adding cooked white beans or extra veggies like zucchini.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg