Description
Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Dinner is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced and rings separated
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced OR 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 green bell peppers, chopped
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
Seasonings & Oils
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Potato Layer: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the potato layer to ensure they crisp well during baking.
- Add Ground Beef: Spread the browned and crumbled lean ground beef evenly over the potato layer, distributing it carefully to cover all areas.
- Layer Onions: Place the separated onion rings on top of the ground beef layer, ensuring a consistent layer for flavor and texture.
- Add Tomatoes: Arrange sliced tomatoes or evenly spread the canned diced tomatoes over the onions, distributing them carefully.
- Top with Bell Peppers: Scatter the chopped green bell peppers on top of the tomato layer to add freshness and crunch.
- Season Each Layer: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste between each layer to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the assembled layers tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing all ingredients to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Using olive oil helps the potatoes crisp and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly to ensure they cook fully within the baking time.
- The dish can be made a day ahead and reheated to allow the flavors to develop even more.
- Adjust seasoning layers according to your taste preference for salt and pepper.
- Covering tightly with foil prevents moisture loss and helps the potatoes cook evenly without drying out.
