If You Have Ground Beef, Onions, And Potatoes, You Have The Start Of Dolly Parton's Humble 5-Layer Casserole

In the wake of Dolly Parton's passing, many were moved to find comfort in her legacy. That legacy took many forms, from her incredible career in music, her lifetime of philanthropy, and the many pearls of unpretentious culinary wisdom she happily shared. One such example is a humble yet hearty five-layer casserole. If you have ground beef, onions, and potatoes, then you have the fixings to get started.

In some ways, the casserole mirrors Dolly herself — uncomplicated, rustic, colorful, and sure to please any crowd. Reputed to be one Parton's favorite foods, the casserole itself only calls for five ingredients. In addition to your ground beef, onions, and potatoes, you will need some cooked tomatoes and chopped green bell peppers. In its simplest form, the only seasonings necessary are salt and pepper, though some variations call for an Italian herb blend, melted butter, or garlic. If you want to add some variations, a mixture of fresh heirloom and cherry tomatoes would work wonderfully. The green bell pepper can also be replaced with red, yellow, orange, and mini bell peppers, or a jalapeño pepper with the seeds and ribs removed. 

As seen in this Facebook reel from Amy L Daily Recipes, the casserole comprises of layering thinly sliced potatoes, browned beef, raw onion, tomatoes, and peppers. If you prefer, shredded cheese can be added. After a spell in the oven, these ingredients will be tender and the various flavors and textures of the casserole will have melded into a delicious whole.

Recently, one member of the subreddit r/OldCelebrityRecipes decided to honor Parton's memory by preparing the casserole. "It's really good, healthy, down home cooking!" they commented. "Just grab a big bowl and pile it in. It's flavorful and fresh. Meat and potatoes with a nice dose of veg." One tip the redditor shared was to place the potatoes on the bottom of the dish, letting them absorb all the flavor of the casserole cooking above.

The recipe is not dissimilar to some other simple ground beef casseroles, and few can deny the essential appeal of flavorful, slow-cooked meat and potatoes. Parton had an affinity for unfussy meals like this; she is also known for a delectable-sounding five-layer chicken casserole. When preparing this casserole, you may need something to accompany it. Meaning there's no better excuse to prepare Parton's easy cornbread, which requires only three southern staples. As it all cooks, no one would blame you for putting on one of her old albums to sing along to.