Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish combining ground beef, egg noodles, creamy mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals, this classic casserole boasts bold, savory flavors with a creamy texture and a crispy topping, making it an irresistible comfort food that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
- Prepare the Sauce Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended to create the creamy sauce that will hold everything together.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well so they don’t become soggy inside the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, softened noodles, sauce mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, followed by an even layer of French fried onions. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked noodles to avoid soggy texture.
- Drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Tent casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp the topping.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and ease slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg