Discover Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole: Homemade Comfort in Minutes!

Dolly Parton’s beloved casserole recipe is a true gem of Southern comfort cooking.

Across America, people have fallen in love with this simple and tasty dish that brings the spirit of hearty family meals to life.

The famous country music star’s creation shows off her roots and love for easy, scrumptious food.

Comfort casseroles are more than just food; they bring warmth, togetherness, and treasured moments around the dinner table.

Parton’s special recipe turns everyday ingredients into a delicious treat that captures the essence of traditional American dishes.

Anyone can make this cherished meal at home, celebrating simplicity, flavor, and the warm hospitality linked to Southern traditions.

Why Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole Is So Handy

5-Ingredient Comfort Feast

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Nourish Hearty Appetites: Packed with protein from sausage, vegetables, and cream, this dish delivers robust flavors and satisfying nutrition that'll keep everyone full and happy.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different meats, vegetables, or herbs, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Comforting one-pot meal that works brilliantly for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy winter evening meals, appealing to both kids and adults.

Everything In Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful, hearty base that adds rich, savory notes to the casserole. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage for the best taste.

• Onion, Carrots, Garlic: Classic trio that builds a deep, aromatic flavor foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables provide texture and complexity.
• Spinach: Adds a nutritious, vibrant green element with a soft, wilted texture. Opt for fresh spinach for the best flavor and nutrition.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the liquid base for simmering and developing soup-like consistency. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, creamy finish that enhances the overall smoothness of the dish. Optional but recommended for a luxurious touch.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Herb and spice blend that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the casserole. Use dried herbs for consistent flavor.
• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetable that adds substance and helps thicken the casserole. Choose waxy potatoes that hold their shape during cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami garnish that elevates the final dish. Freshly grated cheese provides the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and providing a subtle, fruity undertone to the cooking process.

How To Make Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it turns golden brown and develops a rich color. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they release their fragrant essence and soften slightly.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

• Cubed potatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Cook until potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly, creating a thick and comforting texture.

Step 4: Finish with Green Goodness

Fold in fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious, silky finish that makes the soup creamy and indulgent.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, soul-satisfying flavors that would make Dolly proud.

Helpful Tips For Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Customize Meat Choice: Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy, catering to your heat tolerance and preferences.
• Boost Vegetable Variety: Experiment by adding zucchini, celery, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the casserole.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook sausage and chop vegetables in advance to reduce total cooking time and simplify meal preparation during busy weeknights.

Storing Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole The Easy Way

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Seal in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Refrigerated Portion: Warm in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Thawing Frozen Casserole: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring to restore original consistency.

What To Serve With Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the sausage and cream, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Match with Rustic Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful broth and complement the casserole's robust textures.
• Balance with Bright Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to add freshness and cut through the dish's creamy elements.
• Enhance with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cold, unsweetened herbal tea with mint or rosemary to provide a clean, cooling accompaniment that won't overpower the casserole's complex flavors.

Switch Up Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Vegetarian Friendly: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. Reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes since these alternatives cook faster than traditional potatoes.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor and added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check sausage and broth labels to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives are present.

Questions On Dolly Partons 5-Ingredient Casserole

• What makes this casserole unique?

This dish combines hearty Italian sausage with tender potatoes and nutritious spinach, creating a comforting one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and creamy texture make it appealing to children, and you can adjust the spice level by reducing red pepper flakes to suit younger palates.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy consistency.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

You can easily substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a different protein option while keeping the recipe’s core flavors intact.

Heavenly Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Country music legend Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients meld into a crowd-pleasing dish that promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families craving simple, delicious home cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium gold potatoes, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 ml) water
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream or half & half (optional, for creaminess)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Crumble italian sausage into the pot, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until rich golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Transfer excess grease from sausage if necessary, then introduce diced onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they release their aromatic essence and become slightly translucent.
3. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then gently add cubed potatoes. Season the mixture with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Elevate the temperature and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and absorb the robust flavors. Continue cooking for 15-18 minutes, ensuring potatoes reach a soft yet structured consistency.
5. Integrate fresh chopped spinach into the simmering pot, stirring until the leaves wilt and incorporate seamlessly into the hearty mixture. If desired, incorporate heavy cream for added richness and velvety texture.
6. Carefully ladle the steaming casserole into serving bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a delectable finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, ensuring the same rich flavor profile and hearty texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and carefully controlling salt amounts during cooking.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or zucchini, creating more depth and complexity in the dish.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, maintaining creaminess

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg