Let me take you back to a touching moment from 1978. John Wayne, an iconic figure affectionately known as “the Duke,” was battling cancer when he received a heartfelt request from a 10-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 breakfast casserole recipe featuring cheese, eggs, and green chiles. Over the years, this recipe has evolved, capturing the hearts and kitchens of many.
Today, I’m excited to share with you a slow cooker adaptation of this beloved John Wayne Casserole. This version has a hearty twist, incorporating ground beef, taco seasoning, and tater tots—making it a perfect, fuss-free meal that’s a hit with everyone.
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 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced green chiles
Directions:
Start the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it softens, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the beef is nicely browned, about 5 more minutes.
Season the Beef:
Stir in the taco seasoning and water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.
Layer in Slow Cooker:
Place the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spoon the beef mixture over the tater tots.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and spread this over the beef.
Finally, layer the diced green chiles on top.
Cook:
Cover and set the slow cooker on low heat. Cook for about 4 hours.
Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the casserole hot, right out of the slow cooker, and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that brings a bit of history to your table.
This Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to keep the legacy of John Wayne alive in your kitchen, through a dish that’s as robust and enduring as his character. Enjoy the rich flavors and the simplicity of this delightful meal!