Crockpot John Wayne Casserole

This casserole is a take on the shepherd’s pie but with a southwest feeling to it. The recipe uses ground beef as the base and then layers potatoes, cheese, veggies, and so much more. The end result is an easy dish that your whole family will love. 

We are all familiar with the idea of a shepherd’s pie. A shepherd’s pie is a layer of meat, veggies, mashed potatoes, and cheese. But there is another version of this dish that has become just as popular, crockpot John Wayne casserole.

This delicious John Wayne casserole recipe is a classic and easy crockpot recipe to add to your meal plan for the week. Believe it or not, this recipe is said to come from John Wayne himself. The recipe was added to a cookbook titled, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends,” which was released in 1979.

Apparently, one of her friends was John Wayne because he is said to have submitted a recipe similar to this one for the book. However, the original recipe doesn’t include ground beef. In fact, there are a few ingredients that differ between this crockpot John Wayne casserole recipe.

But you can enjoy this recipe, which has been amped up with the added ingredients. 

Crockpot John Wayne Casserole Ingredients

The ingredients may differ from the original, but it is even better now. You can use ground beef as the base, tater tots as the topping, and so much more. The tater tots should be frozen when you add them to the crockpot, ensuring they don’t burn.

However, you will also need a few fresh produce, like onions, bell peppers, and shishito peppers. You could also use canned versions of diced tomatoes. You won’t be adding too many seasonings since you will rely on Trader Joe’s taco seasoning mix or any taco seasoning mix you enjoy.

However, you will still need salt, pepper, and onion powder. 

Directions

Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray. Add tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and evenly spread them out. 

Brown the hamburger meat, onions, bell peppers, & shishito peppers in a cast-iron skillet or pan. When the meat is brown, drain the fat. 

Add diced tomatoes to the meat mixture and combine. 

Pour the meat mixture over the tater tots creating a layer. 

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, salt, pepper, & onion powder. Add approximately 4 oz of cheese (save the remainder of the cheese for the top layer at the end).

Spread the sour cream mixture over the meat mixture.

Cover and cook on low for approximately 4 to 4/12 hours. Keep the lid closed during cooking time.

After cooking is done, add the remaining cheese over the top for a final layer. 

Cover for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

When ready to serve, you can top it with salsa, green onions, or a topping of your choice.

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