Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the fabulous Dolly Parton and her love for cooking! I mean, who doesn’t adore her? She’s not just an iconic singer; she’s also a queen in the kitchen! That’s why I’m so excited to share my version of the Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole. It’s as simple as it gets but packed with so much flavor, you’ll feel like you’re sitting at a cozy dinner table in the Smoky Mountains. I remember the first time I made it for my family—it was a chilly evening, and the whole house smelled like comfort food. Trust me, this casserole is a hug in a dish, and you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole

1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
1 can (10.5 oz) 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

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating this delightful casserole! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want that casserole to cook evenly. While the oven warms up, you can jump right into the next step!
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s nice and fully cooked. Make sure to break it into smaller pieces with your spatula as it cooks. It should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat. This helps keep your casserole from being too greasy. A little tip: you can use a colander or just tilt the skillet slightly to let the fat run off.
Now, add the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked elbow macaroni, and frozen mixed vegetables right into the skillet. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. You want those flavors to mingle!
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but whatever you have will work! Just make sure it’s greased so it doesn’t stick.
Finally, pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s heated through and bubbly at the edges. Oh, and the smell? Absolutely heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
Just five simple ingredients mean less time shopping and more time enjoying.
You can have this delicious casserole on the table in about 40 minutes!
The combination of creamy soup, cheese, and hearty beef is simply mouthwatering.
It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Kids and adults alike will love it—great for family dinners!
Leftovers are just as tasty, perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Customize it easily with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to add some seasoning to the ground beef while it cooks—salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder can really amp up the flavor. If you want a little kick, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can do wonders!

Also, feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. And if you have leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in! Broccoli, bell peppers, or even corn can add extra color and nutrition.

For a cheesy twist, try mixing in a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar. And remember, keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes; ovens can vary, and you don’t want it to overcook. With these tips, you’ll be a casserole superstar in no time!

Variations of the Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole

One of the best things about the Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is how flexible it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for some shredded rotisserie chicken or even diced ham. Both options will bring a delightful twist to this dish!

For veggies, why not get creative? Instead of mixed vegetables, you can use fresh spinach, zucchini, or even roasted peppers for a pop of flavor and color. And cheese lovers, rejoice! Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

You could also add a can of diced tomatoes or some salsa for a zesty flair. Whatever you choose, these variations are sure to keep your casserole nights exciting and delicious!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this tasty Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with! Here’s the breakdown per serving:

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 is not just comforting but also packs a good punch of protein and flavor! It’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling too heavy. Perfect for those cozy nights in!

FAQ About Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully if you want a lighter option. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick twist!

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even make your own homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free pasta and check the soup label, your Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole can be a tasty gluten-free option!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Enjoy it again—it’s just as good the next day!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is a breeze! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This way, you’ll keep all that deliciousness locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Trust me, it makes for a fantastic quick meal when you’re short on time!

When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you’re using the microwave, just scoop out a portion onto a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. Be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Both methods will have your casserole tasting almost as good as the first time!

And don’t forget, you can enjoy it right out of the fridge too—cold casserole has its own charm! Just remember to savor every bite, whether it’s fresh or leftover, because this dish is truly a keeper!

Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Dish

Author: Lisa
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

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious casserole inspired by Dolly Parton, made with just five ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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