Description
This hearty and comforting John Wayne Casserole is a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dish featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with golden, cheesy cornbread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, blending bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
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 eggs, milk, and oil as called for on the package)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
For Garnish (Optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similarly sized casserole dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
3️⃣ In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix following the package instructions. Stir in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese if using for a more indulgent topping.
4️⃣ Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the filling, using a spatula to gently spread it across the top to cover completely.
5️⃣ Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
You can swap the ground beef for spicy sausage or a blend of beef and chorizo for a deeper flavor. To add heat, stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling. This dish pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a simple green salad for balance. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to one month.