Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that would make the legendary Duke himself proud! This Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole is more than just a meal - it's a hearty, flavor-packed journey through classic American comfort food that will have your entire family rushing to the dinner table. Imagine tender ground beef, zesty beans, and sweet corn, topped with a golden corn muffin crust that's guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you're a busy parent, a home cook looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or just someone who loves bold, satisfying flavors, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious dinner with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 package (8 oz) corn muffin mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly spraying the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Add drained pinto beans, drained corn, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies to the slow cooker. Sprinkle chili powder over the mixture and stir to combine ingredients evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions, using the 1 cup of milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the corn muffin batter evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the corn muffin topping is set and golden around the edges.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
- Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve hot, scooping portions that include the beef mixture and corn muffin topping.
Tips
- Drain your beans and corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make your casserole soggy.
- When browning the ground beef, ensure you drain all excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy dish.
- Be careful not to overmix the corn muffin batter - this can lead to tough, dense topping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some diced onions when browning the beef.
- If you like a bit more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Use a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup.
- Let the casserole rest after cooking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a golden, crispy top, you can briefly broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after cooking if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
