Why Make This Recipe
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of ground beef, beans, and corn, all topped with a delightful layer of cornbread and melted cheese. It’s a great way to feed a family or a group of friends. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package of refrigerated cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the kidney beans, tomato sauce, corn, chili powder, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions and pour it over the beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve John Wayne Casserole
Serve John Wayne Casserole warm, directly from the oven. It pairs well with a simple salad or some tortilla chips. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some hot sauce for extra flavor.
How to Store John Wayne Casserole
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make John Wayne Casserole
- For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or other spicy ingredients to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- If you like a lot of cheese, you can add more shredded cheddar on top before baking.
Variation
Instead of using cornbread mix, you can make homemade cornbread from scratch. You can also swap the kidney beans for black beans for a different twist on the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then add the cornbread layer just before baking.
2. Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! You can use black beans, pinto beans, or any beans you like.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure that the other ingredients do not contain gluten.
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained Can swap for black beans.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to add more on top before baking.
- 1 package refrigerated cornbread mix Can substitute with homemade cornbread.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the kidney beans, tomato sauce, corn, chili powder, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Baking
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions and pour it over the beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.