Dolly Parton’s Five Layer Dinner

Looking for some comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Dolly Parton’s Five Layer Dinner. Yes, that’s right, the Queen of Country knows her way around the kitchen too! This simple yet delicious bake combines layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers to create a mouthwatering dish that the whole family will love.

Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook, because this recipe is a breeze to prepare. All you need to do is slice and layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, followed by flavorful browned ground beef. On top of that, add a layer of sliced onions and either diced or fresh tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle some chopped green peppers or use a different color if you prefer.

The Magic of Seasoning and Slow Cooking

While there are only five main ingredients, the real secret lies in seasoning each layer as you go and baking it low and slow. Yes, it does take around two hours to cook, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. As the dish bakes, the juices from the veggies and meat combine to create an unbelievably delicious flavor. The best part? You don’t even need to make a separate sauce because every bite is juicy and bursting with flavor.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Dolly Parton’s Five Layer Dinner may not be fancy, but it’s a delightful dish that celebrates simplicity. It’s amazing how a few basic flavors, prepared with love, can come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Dinner

Serves 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 2 hours

Ingredients
  • 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef, browned and crumbled
  • 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
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, as needed
Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Top with the browned ground beef, followed by the sliced onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, seasoning with salt and pepper between each layer.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
  5. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Chin Deep.