John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
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1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*tel, drained)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (or 1 batch of cornbread batter, if preferred)
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 small can (4 oz) green chilies, drained (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Chopped green onions
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Sour cream (for serving)
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Salsa
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Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
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Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies (and green chilies, if using). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base:
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While the meat mixture is simmering, roll out the crescent roll dough into a single layer and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’re using cornbread batter instead of crescent rolls, spread the cornbread batter evenly over the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the Casserole:
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Once the meat mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the crescent roll dough (or cornbread batter).
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Spread sour cream over the meat mixture.
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Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole:
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Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
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If using crescent roll dough, the edges will be golden and slightly crispy when done. If using cornbread, check that it is fully cooked through with a toothpick test in the center.
5. Serve:
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Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and salsa if desired. You can also add jalapeños and cilantro for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations:
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Add Veggies: You can add some black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture or as a topping to spice things up.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or refried beans for a vegetarian version.
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Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for other types of cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack or Colby.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
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A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake according to the recipe instructions. It may need a few extra minutes to cook if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
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A: Yes, you can use cornbread (as mentioned in the recipe), taco shells, or even tortillas to form the base. Just make sure it’s spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Q: Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?
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A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
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A: Yes! You can add jalapeños to the meat mixture or top the casserole with spicy salsa. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or add cayenne pepper for a hotter kick.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
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A: Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well since turkey can be milder in flavor.