Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comfort-food dish that combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy soup, all topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. This delicious one-pan meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of savory flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variety)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, milk, oil)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Stir in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it gently to cover the filling completely.
5️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole is super versatile—feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even chicken for a lighter version.
- If you want to make it spicier, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- The cheddar cheese in both the filling and cornbread topping adds extra creaminess and flavor, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes