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John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole
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John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked one-dish meal combining ground beef, cabbage, tomato sauce, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted cheddar cheese and optionally crispy breadcrumbs. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering comforting, bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Creaminess

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables

  • 4 cups shredded fresh cabbage

Cheese and Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat and vegetables: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions become translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
  2. Mix in sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with the cream of mushroom soup. Add salt, pepper, and paprika or chili powder if using. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Combine with cabbage: Fold shredded cabbage into the meat sauce, coating it evenly. Allow the cabbage to soften slightly by cooking it in the sauce for a few minutes, absorbing the savory flavors.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture before topping with the remaining cheese. If desired, add breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the casserole is heated through.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cabbage to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Drain excess grease from cooked beef to balance flavors and avoid an oily casserole.
  • For extra cheesy flavor, layer half the cheese inside the mixture before topping with the rest.
  • Store leftovers in a tight-lid container in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Using a wide casserole dish helps the dish cook evenly and develop a better crust.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/john-wayne-casserole/