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John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole
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John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, and egg noodles baked together with a golden cheese topping. This easy, flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or making ahead, offering a warm, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 3 cups cooked egg noodles
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred variety)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. While noodles cook, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up until fully cooked.
  2. Mix the Base: Add the cream of mushroom soup, canned tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. Stir well to combine and let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Combine With Noodles: Fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef and vegetable mixture until everything is evenly mixed to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
  4. Transfer and Top: Pour the casserole mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top to form a golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook noodles; slightly undercook them to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Fresh vegetables can substitute frozen for added crispness and flavor.
  • Generously layer cheese to keep the casserole moist during baking and add richness.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set it for easier serving.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste before baking; a little extra salt or pepper can enhance the flavors greatly.

Nutrition

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