Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole That Saves Dinner in 30 Minutes

Let me paint the scene: midweek madness, no dinner plans, and the crew is hangry. That’s when I pull out this gem—Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole. It’s warm, cheesy, hearty, and done in 30 minutes. I don’t need a shopping list, a plan, or even a clean kitchen—just five pantry staples and a baking dish.

It’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Think layers of seasoned ground beef, green beans, creamy mushroom soup, cheesy mashed potatoes… all baked to bubbling perfection. This recipe is pure Southern magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of casseroles, but this one? It always hits. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• I only need five ingredients I usually already have on hand.

• It’s on the table in just about 30 minutes, start to finish.

• The layers bake into each other like they’ve known each other forever—creamy, cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.

• It’s kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully, which makes it perfect for next-day lunches.

Simple, satisfying, and a little bit of Southern comfort—that’s the Dolly way.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (no need to dilute)

• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, well drained

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I love using classic orange cheddar)

• 1 package (6 oz) instant mashed potatoes, prepared according to directions

These are the workhorses of my pantry, and together they turn into something magical.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
I start by browning the beef in a skillet over medium heat. It takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the pink is gone, I drain the grease carefully so the casserole stays rich, not greasy.

Step 2: Build the Layers
I use an 8×11″ baking dish, but any medium-size casserole dish will do. First, I spread the cooked beef across the bottom. Then I add the drained green beans right on top. Next, I pour the cream of mushroom soup over it all—no mixing, just straight from the can. I spoon on the mashed potatoes and spread them gently with the back of a spoon. Finally, I sprinkle on that glorious cheese.

Step 3: Bake It Up
I pop the dish in a preheated 375°F oven for about 25 minutes. When the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden, it’s ready. If I want a crispy cheesy top, I broil it for 1 minute at the end—just don’t blink or it’ll burn. I let it rest 5 minutes before digging in.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, or 6 if I’m pairing it with a side.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays.

Variations

Dolly’s recipe is a classic, but sometimes I like to play with it. Here are some swaps I’ve tried:

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef (a splash of Worcestershire adds that depth)

• Fresh green beans (I blanch them for 3 minutes first)

• Cream of chicken or celery soup if I’m out of mushroom

• Real mashed potatoes (just make them thick so they hold up)

• Different cheeses—sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a little smoked gouda

This dish is like Dolly’s wardrobe—flexible, fabulous, and always comforting.

Storage/Reheating

This casserole keeps like a dream:

• I let leftovers cool fully before storing in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 3 months.

• When reheating, I microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

• I like to add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating to bring that melty magic back.

FAQs

Can I use real mashed potatoes instead of instant?

Absolutely—I do this when I have leftovers or feel like going the extra mile. I just make sure they’re thicker than usual so they don’t sink into the casserole.

How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?

Drain those green beans thoroughly. I press them against the can lid to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. And don’t skip draining the beef.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Classic cheddar melts beautifully, but I’ve also tried it with pepper jack for a kick or gruyère for a little elegance. I say use what I’ve got!

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! I often assemble it earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When it’s dinnertime, I just pop it in the oven and maybe add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Totally. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label them, and they’re good for 3 months. I thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this casserole has become my go-to dinner rescue—it’s simple, filling, and tastes like something that took a whole lot more effort. Dolly’s five-ingredient wonder brings together comfort, speed, and flavor in one baking dish. I keep coming back to it, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.

Print