Description
This Easy John Wayne Casserole blends smoked beef, beef pepperoni, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese into a creamy grape juice‑infused sauce, all topped with buttery crescent roll dough. In just 45 minutes you’ll have a golden, cheesy bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The hearty protein, subtle sweetness, and comforting texture make it a family‑favorite comfort food that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with a crisp green salad and chilled grape j
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup beef pepperoni
- sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels
- frozen or canned
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grape juice
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat.
- Stir in beef pepperoni, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and half the cheese; season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Whisk milk and grape juice together, pour over beef mixture.
- Unroll crescent roll dough, place over top, sealing edges.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake 25‑30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest five minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispness
- brush the crescent dough with melted butter before baking. Feel free to add jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Easy John Wayne Casserole, easy beef casserole, weeknight dinner recipe, comfort food casserole, quick beef bake, family dinner ideas, one-pan casserole, hearty casserole recipe, smoked beef casserole, easy dinner casserole, classic American casserole