John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired dish packed with ground beef, cheese, and a variety of flavorful seasonings. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry family. This casserole is named after the legendary actor John Wayne, reflecting his rugged and down-home personality, with layers of bold flavors like seasoned beef, cheese, sour cream, and a crispy topping.
Here’s a simple and delicious John Wayne Casserole recipe!
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (such as Rotel)
- 1 bag (about 8 oz) tortilla chips (crushed)
- For the Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix (and diced green chilies, if using), and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes (drained), and 1/2 cup each of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese (both cheddar and Monterey Jack) on top.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Use black beans, kidney beans, or a veggie crumbles substitute for the ground beef to make it a vegetarian casserole.
- Add More Heat: For a spicier version, you can add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicier salsa or hot sauce.
- Add a Crunch: For extra crunch, sprinkle some extra crushed tortilla chips on top right before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve John Wayne Casserole with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
- Pair it with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
- A side of Mexican rice or refried beans can round out the meal nicely.
This John Wayne Casserole is a delicious, comfort-food classic that’s perfect for any family meal, party, or potluck. It’s easy to customize and always a hit with people who love bold flavors and cheesy goodness!
