🤠 Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole
A hearty, cowboy-style casserole with layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese mixture, biscuits, and Tex-Mex flavor — adapted perfectly for the slow cooker.
🛒 Ingredients
Meat Layer
-
1½ lbs ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
-
½ cup water
-
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
-
1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
Creamy Layer
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup sour cream
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Base & Topping
-
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits (Grands style)
-
½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
-
Cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned.
-
Drain excess grease.
-
Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer 3–4 minutes.
-
Mix in diced tomatoes and corn. Remove from heat.
2️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix:
-
Cream cheese
-
Sour cream
-
Mayonnaise
-
1 cup shredded cheddar
Stir until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble in Slow Cooker
-
Lightly grease slow cooker (6-quart works best).
-
Cut biscuits into quarters and place evenly on bottom.
-
Spread beef mixture over biscuits.
-
Spread creamy cheese mixture over beef.
-
Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar.
-
Sprinkle paprika and jalapeños on top.
4️⃣ Cook
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours
(or HIGH for 1½–2 hours) -
It’s done when biscuits are cooked through and edges are golden.
⭐ Tips
-
For crispier edges, remove lid during last 30 minutes.
-
Add black beans or bell peppers for extra Tex-Mex flavor.
-
Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving to set up.
🍽️ Serve With
-
Simple green salad
-
Tortilla chips
-
Salsa or guacamole
If you’d like, I can also give you:
-
A lighter/healthier version
-
A spicy Texas-style version 🌶️
-
Or an oven-baked classic version