Name: John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.75 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (for extra spice); 1 cup corn kernels (for added sweetness)

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Introduction

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together savory beef, creamy soups, and crispy tater tots in a cheesy, satisfying bake. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor.

A tall, thick slice of lasagna with five visible layers sits on a white plate with a green leaf pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is melted yellow-orange cheese mixed with small pieces of meat and green olives on the sides. Above it, a slightly thicker layer of cooked ground beef mixed with diced red bell peppers and melted cheese. This pattern of meat and cheese layers repeats three more times, topped with a rich melted yellow cheese layer. On top, several fresh, halved cherry tomatoes and a few green olives add fresh color and texture, with some sauce melted and spilling slightly at the base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.75 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (for extra spice)
Optional: 1 cup corn kernels (for added sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies until well combined.
Step 5: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated for a creamy texture.
Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the tater tots evenly on the bottom, then pour the beef and vegetable mixture over them. Top with the remaining tater tots.
Step 7: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a diced jalapeno pepper when cooking the vegetables.
Add 1 cup of corn kernels to the beef mixture for a touch of sweetness and texture.
Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Make ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and baking it fresh the next day.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square piece of cheesy casserole placed on a white round plate with textured edges, showing multiple layers: a golden melted cheese layer on top with a slightly browned crust, beneath it a thick layer of mixed cooked beef and rice with visible bits of red bell peppers and onions, then a base layer with a creamy sauce mixed with more rice and small vegetables. The casserole dish behind the plate is rectangular, white, and filled with the same cheesy mixture. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While you can use fresh potatoes, tater tots lend a crispy texture and convenience that fresh potatoes may not provide. If using fresh, cut into small chunks and roast separately before layering.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.