Crockpot Dolly’s 5-Layer Dinner

This crockpot Dolly’s 5-layer dinner is an easy one-pot recipe inspired by Dolly Parton’s ground beef casserole. Using simple ingredients, this is a hearty, no-fuss meal that you can serve any day of the week. Layers of potatoes, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomato sauce slow cook together for a flavorful dish that cooks itself. 

What is Dolly’s 5-Layer Dinner?

Dolly’s 5-layer dinner aka Dolly’s 5 layer casserole is a simple ground beef recipe created by Dolly Parton. Her original recipe is a simple one: sliced potatoes topped with ground beef, then onion, then bell pepper, and then topped with tomatoes. Seasoned with salt and pepper. I made Dolly’s version and I found it to be comforting yet very….BLAND. Sorry Dolly! After 3 rounds of recipe testing, what you see here is my updated, slow cooker version.   

Ingredients For Crockpot Dolly’s 5-Layer Dinner

• Layer 1 – russet potatoes
• Layer 2 – ground beef 
• Layer 3 – onion
• Layer 4 – bell pepper
• Layer 5 – tomatoes (pasta sauce or crushed/diced tomatoes)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder

My updated, Crock-Pot version 

I made a few changes to the original recipe. For one, I added seasonings! All while keeping it simple. In addition to salt and pepper, I add garlic powder and dried thyme. Other changes include dicing the potatoes rather than slicing them. I also combined layers 3 (onion) & 4 (bell pepper) and sauteed them with the ground beef before adding the slow cooker. Lastly, I used a tomato-based pasta sauce in place of the fresh diced tomatoes.

How To Make Dolly’s 5 Layer Dinner In The Slow Cooker

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. 
2. Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker. 
3. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and all the seasonings. Cook until the beef is browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently and crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain the grease and add the mixture to the slow cooker on top of the potatoes.
4. Pour the pasta sauce and water on top.
5. Cook HIGH 3 to 4 hours or LOW 6 to 8.

FAQs & Tips

What type of potatoes should you use?

I like to use russet potatoes with this recipe but technically any potato will work. Due to the long cooking time, I leave the skin on the potatoes.  This helps them hold their shape.

Can you use a different ground meat?

Of course. Use the ground meat that fits your dietary lifestyle whether it be ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground sausage. 

Should you uses tomatoes or sauce?

This is up to you. Feel free to use canned diced or crushed tomatoes or a jar of your favorite pasta sauce! If you use pasta sauce, be sure to add in 1/2 cup water or beef broth. This will help prevent the sauce from burning during the long cook time.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot Dolly’s 5-layer dinner in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker did you use?

I use a  6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

Ground Beef Recipes

• Sloppy Joe’s 

• Spaghetti Sauce

• Ground Beef Spanish Rice

• Hot Dog Chili Sauce

• Zoodles & Meat Sauce

• Hamburger Helper

• Beef Queso Dip

Crockpot Dolly’s 5-Layer Dinner

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This crockpot Dolly’s 5-layer dinner is an easy one-pot recipe inspired by Dolly Parton’s ground beef casserole. Using simple ingredients, this is a hearty, no-fuss meal that you can serve any day of the week. Layers of potatoes, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomato sauce slow cook together for a flavorful dish that cooks itself.

• Author: Shannon Epstein

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, sliced or diced
• 2 small bell peppers, diced or sliced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes with juices OR 28 ounces pasta sauce + 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil

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Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
3. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and all the seasonings. Cook until the beef is browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently and crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain the grease and add the mixture to the slow cooker on top of the potatoes.
4. Pour the pasta sauce and water on top.
5. Cook HIGH 3 to 4 hours or LOW 6 to 8.

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