Dolly Parton Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Dolly Parton Casserole: Just the name conjures up images of warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of Southern charm, doesn’t it? This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a dish that embodies the spirit of down-home cooking, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, punctuated by savory sausage and fluffy biscuits – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While the exact origins of this particular casserole are debated, its roots are firmly planted in the tradition of resourceful Southern cooking. Casseroles, in general, have long been a staple in American households, offering a convenient and economical way to transform leftovers into something truly special. This Dolly Parton Casserole takes that concept to a whole new level, elevating simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

What makes this casserole so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of savory and comforting. The sausage provides a rich, meaty base, while the creamy sauce adds a touch of indulgence. The biscuits, baked to golden perfection, offer a delightful textural contrast. But beyond the taste, it’s the sheer convenience of this dish that makes it a winner. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of a true Southern classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Cooking spray

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Alright, y’all, let’s get started with the heart of this casserole – the meat sauce! This is where all the flavor really starts to build, so pay attention to these steps. I promise, it’s easier than it looks!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. You don’t want any big clumps of beef in your casserole. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, but you can also use a colander if you prefer.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. They should be nice and translucent. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
4. Add the Soups and Tomatoes: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Don’t drain the Rotel – you want all that flavorful juice! Mix everything together well, making sure there are no lumps of soup.
5. Incorporate the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and everything is smooth and creamy. This is what gives the casserole its rich and decadent texture.
6. Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little salt, but be careful because the soups already contain salt.

Assembling the Casserole:

Now that the meat sauce is ready, it’s time to put everything together! This is the fun part where you get to see all your hard work come to fruition.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom and make it easier to serve.
3. Combine the Macaroni and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the meat sauce. Stir well to make sure the macaroni is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Add Cheese to the Mixture: Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) to the macaroni and sauce mixture. Stir to combine. This will add cheesy goodness throughout the entire casserole.
5. Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Variations:

This Dolly Parton Casserole is delicious as is, but here are a few tips and variations to make it your own!

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery. Just sauté them along with the onion and green bell pepper.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a little extra heat.
• Add Protein: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You could even add cooked sausage!
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables.
• Use Different Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You may need to add extra baking time if baking from a chilled state.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great as a potluck dish or for a casual weeknight dinner.

Important Notes:

• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Be sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy casserole.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the meat sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone has different preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Use a Good Quality Cheese: Using a good quality shredded cheddar cheese will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Let the Casserole Rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Dolly Parton Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking, y’all!

Conclusion:

This Dolly Parton Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a taste of Southern comfort, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and brings everyone to the table with smiles, then you absolutely must try this. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that will have you craving more. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite, requested time and time again.

But why is this particular casserole a must-try? Beyond the deliciousness, it’s the sheer versatility. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and homemade. It’s equally at home at a potluck, a family gathering, or even a casual brunch. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good casserole? This one elevates the classic to a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this Dolly Parton Casserole lies in its adaptability. While the original recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream of chicken soup for a little kick.
* Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version. You could even add some crumbled vegetarian sausage for extra protein.
* Cheesy overload: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere, for an even richer and more complex flavor.
* Topping variations: Instead of crushed Ritz crackers, try using toasted breadcrumbs, crumbled cornflakes, or even potato chips for a different texture and flavor.
* Serving suggestions: This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or a side of cornbread. For a complete meal, add a bowl of your favorite soup.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize this recipe to your liking. That’s the fun of cooking! I truly believe that this Dolly Parton Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to dish that you can rely on for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible casserole. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made this Dolly Parton Casserole, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? I’m eager to hear all about it. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!

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