Dolly Parton’s Casserole
Dolly Parton’s Casserole is the ultimate Southern comfort food, packed with rich layers of creamy beef, melted cheese, and buttery topping. It’s hearty, homestyle, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly magical — just like Dolly’s music.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles or macaroni
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Layer and Top: Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Add Crunch: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with crushed crackers. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- You can use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a different flavour.
- Add green beans or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a spicier touch, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.