John wayne casserole with tater tots

John wayne casserole recipe slow cooker In a large skillet, set over medium high heat, brown the hamburger, onions and bell pepper. When the meat is browned, drain the fat. Add the amount of water the taco packet says to add to the meat (my packet said to add 2/3 cup).

Let me take you back to a touching moment from John Wayne, an iconic figure affectionately known as &#;the Duke,&#; was battling cancer when he received a heartfelt request from a year-old girl in California. She was gathering recipes from celebrities for a cookbook to benefit the American Cancer Society. Moved by her initiative, John Wayne contributed a breakfastcasserole recipe featuring cheese, eggs, and green chiles.

Over the years, this recipe has evolved, capturing the hearts and kitchens of many with its comforting and nostalgic flavors.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a slow cooker adaptation of this beloved John Wayne Casserole. This version adds a hearty twist with ground beef, taco seasoning, and tater tots, making it a perfect, fuss-free meal that&#;s sure to be a hit with everyone.

With its rich, savory flavors and easy preparation, this casserole pays tribute to the Duke’s legacy while providing a warm, satisfying dish for any occasion.

Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (ounce) package frozen tater tots
  • 1 (ounce) can diced green chiles

Directions

1.

Start the Base:

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

John wayne casserole recipe slow cooker betty crocker

Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is made with tater tots with southwestern flair and lots of cheese!.

Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavors for your casserole.

Next, add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 more minutes. This process ensures that the beef is seasoned and tender.

2. Season the Beef:

Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.

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    • This step thickens the beef mixture and enhances the taco seasoning flavor.

    3. Layer in Slow Cooker:

    Now, it&#;s time to assemble the casserole. Begin by placing the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. The tater tots will crisp up and form a delicious base for the casserole as they cook.

    Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the tater tots.

    This layer of seasoned beef will soak into the tots, creating a flavorful and hearty bottom layer.

    In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

    John wayne casserole recipe slow cooker chicken: Taco seasoned ground beef layered with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapenos covered in blanket of creamy, cheesy goodness. Crockpot john wayne casserole is our favorite weeknight meal in the slow cooker!.

    Spread this mixture evenly over the beef. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.

    Finally, layer the diced green chiles on top. Their mild heat and smokiness will infuse the casserole with an extra layer of flavor.

    4. Cook:

    Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

    Original john wayne casserole recipe When you don’t have a lot of time to spend over the stove, preparing a dish like this Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is worth it. While it may taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, you can easily assemble the ingredients in the dish and let the slow cooker handle the heating process, ultimately cooking your food for you in four hours!.

    Cook for about 4 hours, or until the tater tots are cooked through and the beef mixture is hot and bubbly. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

    5. Add More Cheese:

    Once the initial cooking time is up, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

    Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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    • This final layer of cheese adds a gooey, irresistible finish to the dish.

    6. Serve and Enjoy:

    Serve the casserole hot, right out of the slow cooker. The combination of crispy tater tots, seasoned beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

    Whether you&#;re enjoying a quiet family dinner or serving a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

    Variations and Substitutions

    This Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:

    • Meat Substitutes: For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

      For a vegetarian option, consider using a meat substitute like lentils or a mix of beans.

    • Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning, or add extra chopped jalapeños for a kick.
    • Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for varying flavors.
    • Sour Cream Alternatives: If you prefer a dairy-free option, use plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
    • Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for added texture and nutrition.

    Summary

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is more than just a meal; it&#;s a celebration of comforting flavors and nostalgic memories.

    John wayne casserole recipe slow cooker beef stew Crockpot john wayne casserole is amazing when served with a side of biscuits. The original casserole recipe uses canned (or homemade) biscuits as the crust, but in this slow cooker version, the biscuits make for a great dipper! Garnish with fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro, and/or more sour cream. More Casserole Recipes.

    The combination of seasoned beef, crispy tater tots, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you&#;re looking to bring a bit of history into your kitchen or simply need a comforting, easy-to-make meal, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The slow cooker makes preparation a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

    As you serve and savor each bite, you&#;ll appreciate the blend of flavors and the warmth it brings to your table, making it a dish that&#;s sure to be loved by all.