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Delicious John Wayne Casserole served in a baking dish with toppings.

John Wayne Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, pinto beans, and a cheesy cornbread topping, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef You can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained You can substitute with black beans for variation.
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Choose mild or hot for different spice levels.
  • 1 package (8 oz) cornbread mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack.
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Cornbread Preparation
  1. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Add milk to thin it out and mix until smooth.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a greased casserole dish, layer the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Then pour the cornbread batter over the top.
  2. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown.
  3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

John Wayne Casserole is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple salad or some tortilla chips. Adding toppings like sour cream, avocado, or sliced jalapeños can enhance the flavors even more. For extra flavor, try adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.