In 1978, John Wayne was dying of cancer when he got a request from a 10-year-old California girl who was putting together a celebrity cookbook to raise money for the American Cancer Society. John Wayne –“the Duke” as he was affectionately known – contributed a recipe for a breakfast casserole that contained cheese, eggs, and green chiles. Over the years, the recipe has been liberally adapted and reinterpreted.

This slow-cooker version of the John Wayne Casserole includes ground beef, tater tots, and taco seasoning. The ingredients, including ground beef, onions, sour cream, and cheese, are layered in the slow cooker. After it’s finished cooking, more cheese is melted on top. This is an easy meal that everyone loves.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs, 10 mins
Total Time: 4 hrs, 20 mins

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots
1 (14-ounce) can diced green chiles

Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper and continue to cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the meat browns, about 5 more minutes.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the liquid reduces a bit.

4. In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream and 1 cup of the cheese.

5. Put the frozen tater tots in the slow cooker in an even layer.

Add the meat mixture on top.

Then spread the sour cream mixture over the meat.

6. Spread the green chiles over the top.

7. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours.

8. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, cover again, and cook for about 10 more minutes, until the cheese melts.

9. Serve hot.

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