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John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole
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John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed southwestern dish combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, zesty spices, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips for a quick, comforting meal perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened and fragrant, building a savory base and adding texture.
  3. Combine the Mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies if using, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and vegetable mix to a greased casserole dish. Spread sour cream evenly over the top, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese followed by crushed tortilla chips.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tortilla chip topping is golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Use lean meat to reduce grease.
  • Do not overmix ingredients to keep casserole from becoming dense.
  • Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to firm up and slice cleanly.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin gradually tasting before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: John Wayne Casserole, southwestern casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/john-wayne-casserole/