John Wayne Casserole

The Duke’s Gift to Comfort Food…

If there’s one thing Americans love just as much as a good cowboy movie, it’s a hearty, no-nonsense casserole that satisfies hunger and brings folks together.

The John Wayne Casserole is an unabashedly hearty dish that combines the flavorful goodness of seasoned beef, creamy cheese and a crunchy topping – all served in a single dish. Named after the iconic actor, this casserole is as bold, flavorful and as distinctly American as the Duke himself.
But what is it about this humble casserole that has earned it the right to bear the name of a Hollywood icon? Let’s explore the history, the recipe and why this dish has become a staple in kitchens across the country.

The Birth of a Legend. The origins of John Wayne Casserole are as mysterious as a classic Western plot. No one knows for certain who first created the dish, but its connection to the famous actor is generally accepted as more of a tribute than a direct creation. Wayne, known for his rugged roles in films like “True Grit” and “The Searchers,” embodied the spirit of the American West: uncompromising, bold, hearty and straightforward.

While it is a mystery who first put these ingredients together in a casserole dish, or when, we know one thing for sure: Wayne directly contributed the recipe to a 1979 cookbook titled, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends,” compiled by Cara Connery. Some say the recipe had been around for decades before Wayne’s recipe submission. Regardless of its origin, the John Wayne Casserole has become an enduring part of the American comfort food scene, celebrated for its simplicity and big, bold flavors.

The Anatomy of John Wayne Casserole. At its core, John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex dish that packs a punch. It begins with ground beef, browned and seasoned with green chiles and cayenne peppers. This savory base is then topped with heavy cream and cheese. Two pounds of cheese!

A Dish for All Occasions. John Wayne Casserole’s versatility makes it the perfect go-to comfort food for nearly all casual occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family of hungry ranchers, a group of friends gathered around the TV, or just looking for an easy weekday, this casserole fits the bill.

It also takes well to customization. Some versions of the casserole call for green chilies or jalapeños for an extra kick, while others swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can throw in some beans, add a handful of olives, or even mix in a little bell pepper – whatever suits your taste. The beauty of John Wayne Casserole is that it’s designed to be as flexible as a cowboy’s sense of adventure.

Why We Keep Coming Back for More. Ultimately, the John Wayne Casserole is more than just a dish – it’s a tradition. A tradition that calls to mind the simpler days of family get-togethers, where the most important thing wasn’t what you wore or how you looked, but how good the food was and how much fun you had with the people you loved.

So, the next time you need a filling, flavorful and easy-to-make meal, remember the Duke. Whether you’re wrangling up a hungry group or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, a dish named in honor of John Wayne will surely make you feel like the hero of your kitchen. •

John Wayne Casserole

Servings: 8-10 | Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 can (4 ½ oz.) chopped green chilies
• 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ⅔ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 1 T flour
• ½ tsp. salt
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• 4 eggs, separated
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
• Optional: 2 cups corn chips (crumbled)

Directions

Step 1: In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef and set aside.

Step 2: Butter a 2-quart, oven-proof casserole dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3: Toss the ground beef and chilies with the cheeses and place into casserole dish.

Step 4: Combine the egg yolks, evaporated milk (or heavy cream), flour, salt and cayenne, and beat thoroughly.

Step 5: Whip the egg whites until stiff and fold into the yolk mixture. Pour over cheese mixture in dish and pierce with fork to allow liquid to absorb into cheese.

Step 6: Bake 40 minutes.

Step 7: Place tomato slices in a layer on top and bake an additional
10 minutes.

Optional Step 8: Sprinkle crumbled corn chips on top of the casserole.