John Wayne Casserole

A hearty, flavorful casserole inspired by the legendary cowboy himself! Packed with layers of seasoned beef, cheese, veggies, and a golden cornbread crust, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game day.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Layer:

1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix (like Jiffy)
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk

For the Meat Layer:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/4 cup water

For the Veggie Layer:

1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded & diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheese & Toppings:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 tomato, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Cornbread Base
- In a bowl, mix cornbread mix, egg, and milk until combined.
- Pour into the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes (it’ll finish baking later).
Cook the Meat
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer 5 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, jalapeño (if using), and garlic until tender (5-7 minutes).
Layer the Casserole
- Layer 1: Spread sour cream over the partially baked cornbread.
- Layer 2: Add the cooked beef mixture.
- Layer 3: Top with sautéed veggies and green chiles.
- Layer 4: Sprinkle both cheeses evenly.
Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts.
- Garnish with tomato slices and cilantro.
- Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips

Spice it up: Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños.
Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight.
Substitutions: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat.

A bold, satisfying dish fit for a cowboy! 🤠🍽️

Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a crisp salad. Enjoy!