Name: John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487924H21M26S
Total time: PT-487924H21M26S
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: For the Casserole:; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (plus ingredients to prepare, as per package directions); 1/2 cup sour cream; For the Topping (optional):; Sliced green onions; Sliced jalapeños; Extra shredded cheese

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavor. It’s a Tex-Mex-inspired casserole made with seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and shredded cheese, all layered on a base of cornbread mix. The combination of textures and flavors makes this casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a family gathering. It’s easy to prepare, full of savory goodness, and sure to become a favorite in your household!

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (plus ingredients to prepare, as per package directions)
1/2 cup sour cream

For the Topping (optional):

Sliced green onions
Sliced jalapeños
Extra shredded cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Combine Other Ingredients: Add the diced green chilies, kidney beans, and corn to the beef mixture, stirring to combine.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding eggs, milk, and oil to the cornbread mix and stirring until combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the beef and cheese layers.
Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through, and the cheese is melted.
Add Sour Cream: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and spread sour cream on top, or serve with a dollop of sour cream on each individual serving.
Garnish and Serve: Optional: Top with sliced green onions, jalapeños, and extra shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or layer some under the cornbread batter to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meatless alternative like black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Different Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese and use your favorite blend, such as pepper jack for a spicier twist.
Add Veggies: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other veggies you like to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover John Wayne Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, assemble it, and then cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

2. Can I make this casserole with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of this casserole.

3. Can I use a different kind of beans?

Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or any beans of your choice.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top before baking, or sprinkle some on top of each serving for extra cheesy goodness.

5. Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

6. Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a cornbread mix?

Yes, you can use homemade cornbread batter, but make sure it’s about 1 1/2 cups of batter for the top layer of the casserole.

7. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with a meatless alternative, such as beans, lentils, or even tofu crumbles.

8. What can I serve with John Wayne Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a side salad, guacamole, or chips. You can also serve it with some salsa for a bit of extra flavor.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

10. Can I make individual servings of this casserole?

Yes, you can make individual portions of this casserole by dividing the mixture into small baking dishes. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s loaded with savory ingredients like seasoned beef, cheesy goodness, and the comforting texture of cornbread. Whether you stick to the classic version or try your own variations, this casserole is sure to be a hit every time. It’s an easy-to-make, filling meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!