John Wayne Casserole with Einkorn Crust: Classic, Easy, and Delicious

John Wayne Casserole is a classic, easy, and delicious recipe that will be sure to please everyone at your table! The Einkorn crust gives it a nutritious, deep flavor boost. If you are looking for a nutritious, meal that will comfort your heart and tummy, this casserole is a perfect choice!

Where did the John Wayne Casserole get its name?

This famous casserole is a dish that was created in the 1970s and is named after the iconic American actor, John Wayne. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion or get-together.

There are two stories of its origins and although I believe the first one to be true, I can’t prove which it is.

The first says John Wayne contributed this casserole recipe to a cookbook entitled, Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends, written by Cara Connery in 1979 for the American Cancer Society.

The concept of collecting recipes from famous people originated with Cara Connery, losing several relatives to cancer. She was only ten years old when she began her fund-raising campaign. With the help of her mother, the little girl with a big heart of compassion was able to contact 1,400 famous people and ask them for recipes and donations.

Many of them were moved by the young girl’s request and project and shared their recipes and funds with her. Some of the celebrities who made contributions included Alan Alda, Senator Hubert Humphrey, President Ronald Reagan, and, of course, John Wayne.

However, his original recipe, “egg and cheese casserole,” didn’t contain any meat. The recipe evolved over the years to prove its versatility and ease of customization.

The second says the dish was created by a woman named Lana Puckett, a big fan of John Wayne. She wanted to create a dish that would be hearty and filling, like the actor himself. The casserole has become a popular dish in the United States and is often served at potlucks and family gatherings.

Why Use Einkorn Crust?

We use Einkorn flour in our home. We made the switch after experiencing gut health issues. When we learned that the gluten in Einkorn flour is totally different from that of modern wheat varieties and the history of Einkorn wheat, we decided to try it.

Like many others who have switched, we found it to be the answer to our gut issues. The deep, rich flavor was a tasty side benefit for all our recipes.

If you’re new to Einkorn, we have information about this ancient grain, our best tips for cooking with it, and lots of delicious Einkorn recipes for you to try.

Can I use another flour for the crust recipe?

Yes, you can use any all-purpose flour you prefer. If you use gluten-free flour, like almond or coconut flour, you will have to make the necessary adjustments to the liquid ingredients as you usually do.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

I use my 9″ cast iron skillet but you can use any casserole dish you like as long as it’s not larger than a 9″x13″ pan.

Einkorn Crust Ingredients

• 2 cups Einkorn all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 – 2 teaspoons real salt (Read about real salt)
• 2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup butter milk or whole milk (any milk you use will work)
• 1/4-1/2 water

Instructions

1. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9″ cast iron skillet or your casserole dish. You could use butter or oil. I use Avocado oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine first 3 ingredients
3. Remove butter from fridge and cut into small pieces.
4. Using a hand-held pastry blender or fork, or your fingers (which I usually do) combine butter with flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Do not mix too long or the butter will soften too much before baking and you don’t want this to happen.
5. Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the buttermilk and 1/4 cup of water and mix with a pastry blender (I received this one for my birthday a few years ago and it is my go to hand tool) or you can use your spoon.
6. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add a little water and combine. Repeat as necessary to get a moist dough that can be easily handled. This can be tricky. You don’t want the dough to be too wet or too dry.
7. Next place the dough ball into the skillet or casserole dish and begin pressing it into the pan to cover the bottom and sides.
8. Let it rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of your casserole ingredients.

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 – 2 pounds of ground meat depending on your preferences.
  • We use 3/4 – 1 pound because this is one way we save money on groceries.
• 1 cup sour cream
  • You can also use 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup homemade mayonnaise
• 16-ounces cheese, shredded and divided into two 1 cup portions.
  • I use any cheese I have in the fridge. Usually this is cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarrella, or Colby Jack Combo. Use your favorite cheese or cheeses.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Chop to the size you like. We like medium thick pieces of onion.
• 2 – 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 14-oz can organic diced tomatoes
  • If you use fresh tomatoes, finely dice two medium tomatoes or one large one.
• 1 15 oz can organic pinto/black bean mix S
  • Sometimes I use corn or both corn and beans
• 1 bell pepper, sliced and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper chopped.
  • I often use Scotch Bonnet Peppers because they’re my favorite. Use any pepper you enjoy
• 1 – 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 – 2 teaspoon Cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef until done. Use your spatula or spoon to chop the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
3. When the meat is browned, add all of the seasonings and garlic to it and sautee for 1 min.
4. Then add ¼ cup water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour the meat evenly over the dough in your skillet or dish.
6. Drain the can of tomatoes and pour them over the meat distributing them evenly. Keep the juice to drink or refrigerate/freeze it to use in another recipe later. If you use fresh tomatoes, add the tomatoes and juice to the pan.
7. Drain the beans and distribute them evenly over the top of the tomato layer.
8. Sprinkle one cup of the cheese on top of the bean layer.
9. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped onions and peppers then evenly sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
10. Spread the sour cream over the layer of peppers and onions. If you use 1/2 sour cream 1/2 homemade mayonnaise, combine them in a bowl and then spread them on top of the pepper and onion layer.
11. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top.
12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and the center of the casserole is bubbly.
13. Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before dishing it up!

Notes

• You can easily customize your casserole by adding more or less of the ingredients based on your family’s preferences. You can replace the beans with corn or with a preferred vegetable, or leave them out.
• Here’s a simple guideline: Whatever works for you in a taco will work in this casserole.
• The Einkorn crust will be sticky, so it might be tricky to spread into the pan. Here’s a tip: place a piece of parchment paper on top of the dough and press it into the skillet or dish.

Summary

This classic, easy, and delicious John Wayne casserole recipe can be easily customized to your family’s preferences. The Einkorn crust adds another layer of deep, satisfying flavor.

If you would like to read more about Einkorn or see more Einkorn recipes we’ve got you covered!

It’s named after the iconic American actor and director. This hearty dish typically includes ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, corn, beans, onions, and peppers. This recipe is easy to follow and can be easily customized to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re a fan of the Duke or not, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

As always, we’re here to help.