This hearty and nostalgic Five Layer Dinner combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables, all baked to perfection in one dish. It’s a cozy, no-fuss meal ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting family dinner. Each layer bakes together to create a dish full of rich, savory flavors, with a crisp top for added texture. A must-try for anyone seeking a slice of Southern comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Five-Layer Dinner is Dolly Parton’s simple yet hearty take on comfort food. It’s a classic casserole-style dish that layers savory ground beef, tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and juicy tomatoes into one perfect meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or nostalgic family dinners. The long bake time melds the flavors together, creating a rich, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, savory base. Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
Russet Potatoes: Thinly sliced, these potatoes form the foundation of the dish and bake to tender perfection.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring a tangy sweetness that enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the dish.
Onions: Sliced onions add depth and sweetness as they soften and caramelize during baking.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking dish and optionally drizzle over the top for extra richness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Combine Beef and Vegetables:
In a large bowl, mix together:
1 pound browned ground beef
1 medium onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Slice and Layer Potatoes:
Thinly slice 2–3 large potatoes.
Arrange the slices evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Slightly overlap the slices for even coverage, avoiding large gaps.
Step 4: Add the Beef Mixture
Spoon and Spread:
Evenly spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the layer of potatoes.
Press down gently to create an even, compact layer.
Step 5: Bake
Cover and Cook:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Crisp the Top:
For a golden, bubbly finish, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve
Cool Slightly:
Let the dish cool for about 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set.
Portion and Enjoy:
Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are some great pairings to round out the dinner table:
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm bread or dinner rolls to scoop up the savory juices from the dish.
Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition.
Beverages: Complement this hearty meal with iced tea, lemonade, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Wrap the casserole tightly in foil or store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
Variations
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for some heat.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a meat-free alternative.
Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.
Loaded Potatoes: Layer with cooked bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream on top for a loaded potato casserole vibe.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s Five-Layer Dinner is the epitome of down-home cooking: simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With its tender layers of potatoes, savory beef, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you’ll be dishing out smiles and second helpings in no time. Preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a little slice of Southern comfort!
Dolly Parton’s Five Layer Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef browned and crumbled
- 3 large russet potatoes thinly sliced
- 15 oz diced tomatoes 1 can
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 onions thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil as needed for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the browned ground beef, one sliced onion, the chopped bell pepper, and the diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and arrange them evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices to cover the base completely.
- Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer. Press down gently to create an even, compact layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. For a golden finish, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
