Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole by Dolly Parton
When you think of comfort food, nothing quite takes you back to your roots like a warm, bubbling casserole. Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole brings not only nostalgia but a delightful array of flavors that create a symphony of taste with just a handful of ingredients. This dish is truly worth making, as it combines hearty cooked chicken, creamy mushroom soup, colorful vegetables, and rich cheddar cheese into one irresistible meal.
Imagine the smell of a rich casserole wafting through your kitchen, the gooey cheese melting perfectly on top, forming a golden, crusty layer. Your loved ones will gather around, drawn in by the warmth and comfort radiating from the oven. This easy casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate—fast to prepare and kid-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those busy weeknights that call for something special.
Are You Ready to Indulge in a Casserole That Feels Like Home?
Have you ever felt that sweet, comforting craving to dive into a dish that takes you back to family gatherings or cozy nights in front of the TV? What if we told you that this Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole could be that dish? What’s better than sinking your spoon into layers of savory goodness after a long day? Just imagine the bliss as you dig into this cheesy, creamy delight while sharing stories and laughter with the ones you love. Are you ready for that?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One bite of this casserole and you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper in every household.
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Easy Prep: No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you can whip up something this delicious in just 10 minutes of prep time.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole has the power to captivate both kids and adults alike, making it a consistent favorite.
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Minimal Ingredients: With only five ingredients needed, it’s simple enough to make on a whim and still offers maximum flavor.
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Nostalgic & Comforting: This dish evokes warm memories, making it perfect for nostalgic cravings.
You’ll fall in love with every creamy, cheesy bite that takes you home.
Ingredients
To recreate this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The foundation of the casserole, providing protein and a satisfying heartiness.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This will envelop your ingredients in a creamy blanket, adding depth and flavor.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: Add a splash of color and nutrition to the casserole, with each bite bursting with vegetables.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Who doesn’t love that melty, gooey goodness that makes every bite irresistible?
- 2 cups cooked rice: This soul and comfort of the dish, soaking up all those savory flavors and keeping it hearty.
As you gather your ingredients, picture how they’ll come together—like a beautiful marriage of flavors on your dinner table.
Timing
Isn’t it wonderful when you can have indulgence without the time commitment? This Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole is both fast and satisfying. With minimal cook time, you can have it ready in under an hour!
Set your timer for perfection—25 to 30 minutes of baking gets you the gooey, bubbling top that will have your family lining up for seconds.
Step-by-Step
Getting this casserole prepared and in the oven is one of the simplest yet most gratifying cooking experiences. Let’s create this mouthwatering masterpiece together:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure an even cook throughout the dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked rice, along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated. The rich soup will embrace the chicken and vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure every spoonful finds a cozy spot!
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. It’s the crowning glory that will melt into a golden, bubbling blanket.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. As the aroma fills your kitchen, prepare for sweet anticipation.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief wait will build the excitement for your first bite!
The moment you cut into this casserole, the gooey cheese will ooze onto your plate, taking you on a flavorful journey you’ll never forget.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in comfort food doesn’t have to come with guilt. This casserole serves up about 350 calories per serving, packed with protein from the chicken and goodness from vegetables. While it’s rich and satisfying, remember that occasional indulgence is part of a balanced lifestyle.
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking for health-conscious swaps or specific dietary requirements, here are some fantastic alternatives:
- Low-sugar: Consider making homemade cream of mushroom soup by sautéing mushrooms and blending with low-sodium vegetable broth for a fresh twist.
- Dairy-free: Swap out regular cheese for plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Whole grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adding nutritional benefits and fiber for a heartier dish.
Small tweaks can elevate your casserole while still retaining that crave-worthy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Imagine this—satisfaction served hot from the oven on a chilly night, or paired with a fresh salad for a full meal.
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With ice cream? Not necessarily; this casserole shines on its own, but consider pairing it with a fresh fruit dessert for balance.
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On holidays? Perfect for holidays as a side or main dish, it brings everyone together in joyful nostalgia.
No matter how you serve it, this casserole is a showstopper that pleases every palate.
Common Mistakes
Navigating casserole creation can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on your casserole in the oven; overbaking can lead to a dry dish.
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Texture issues: Ensure that your rice is perfectly cooked—no one wants clumpy or mushy casserole!
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Messes: Use a greased dish to make clean-up easier. Nobody likes scrubbing away burnt-on cheese!
Pay attention to these points and you’ll keep your casserole creamy and inviting.
Storing Tips
This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it effectively:
- Freezing portions: Cut the casserole into individual sections and freeze them for easily reheatable meals later on.
- Reheating instructions: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes should do the trick.
Always have a slice of comfort at your fingertips!
Conclusions
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and take the plunge into making Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole! Your taste buds will thank you, and the joy it brings to your table will have your heart singing sweet melodies in delight. The warm, comforting embrace of this dish is calling your name—be a part of this heartwarming experience today!
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in this casserole and gives it a unique flavor.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking when you’re ready to enjoy.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free alternative.
5. How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add your favorites! Broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach can be delicious additions.
Prepare for your taste buds to rejoice as you experience this Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole!
Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded The foundation of the casserole, providing protein.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Adds creaminess and flavor.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Provides nutrition and color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For that melty goodness.
- 2 cups cooked rice Soaks up flavors and adds heartiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked rice, along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.