Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With just five simple ingredients, this hearty casserole is easy to make and perfect for busy days or family gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is great for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for anyone who wants a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Second, the combination of ground beef, hash browns, and cheese delivers a comforting flavor that everyone loves. Lastly, it’s versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, hash browns, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot.

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to change up the taste.
- For a crispy top, you can sprinkle some additional cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
Variation
For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also use cauliflower hash browns for a low-carb alternative.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it the next day. Just store it in the fridge before baking.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight from the freezer.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. You can also check that the ingredients are heated through.

5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, hash browns, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot.