Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Country Casserole
A cozy, old-fashioned Southern dish that tastes like pure comfort — and the best part? Only 5 simple ingredients! This casserole is creamy, hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in less than an hour. It’s the kind of recipe your readers save, share, and cook over and over again.
Ingredients (5 Only!)
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions (Full, Detailed & Step-By-Step)
1. Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
2. Cook the macaroni
Boil the pasta until just al dente — soft but still firm.
Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned.
Season lightly with salt and pepper (optional but recommended).
Drain any excess fat.
4. Mix everything together
In a big bowl or directly in the skillet, combine:
- Cooked macaroni
- Browned meat
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Diced tomatoes (with the liquid!)
Stir until everything is coated in a creamy, tomato-soupy sauce.
5. Assemble the casserole
Pour the mixture into your casserole dish.
Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve warm
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then scoop and enjoy!
Why People Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients — perfect for busy cooks.
- Creamy, cheesy, comforting flavor.
- Feeds a family on a small budget.
- Dolly Parton herself has shared versions of this simple country casserole.
- Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep.
Optional Upgrades (For Better Engagement!)
Add these as suggestions in your post to boost shares and clicks:
- A sprinkle of paprika or black pepper on top
- Add frozen peas or corn for color
- Swap beef for sausage for more flavor
- Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for extra creaminess