John Wayne loved this casserole so much, it’s named after him. Check out the recipe
Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole
This hearty and flavorful casserole is the perfect blend of savory ingredients, layered and slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and bold Tex-Mex flair, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends with family. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Water | ¾ cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups (divided) |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 package (32 oz) |
| Diced green chiles | 1 can (14 oz) |
Instructions
1. Sauté the Onions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and break up the beef as it cooks, browning it evenly—about another 5 minutes.
3. Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir to combine and let it simmer on medium-low for 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
4. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
5. Layer in the Slow Cooker
Add a layer of frozen tater tots to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the cooked beef mixture. Spread the sour cream and cheese blend over the meat.
6. Add Chiles
Evenly distribute the diced green chiles over the top for a subtle kick of flavor.
7. Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tater tots to become perfectly tender.
8. Final Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions of the casserole onto plates and serve hot. Each bite is packed with comfort and bold flavor!
