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Georgetown Today
By the People, for the People
Matthew McConaughey Loves This Iconic Texas Comfort Food
The Oscar-winning actor couldn't get enough of the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:00am
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Matthew McConaughey, known for his love of Texas cuisine, was introduced to the iconic King Ranch Chicken Casserole on an episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri. Despite not growing up eating the Tex-Mex dish, McConaughey couldn't stop raving about how much he "could shovel down" a plate of the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Why it matters
King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a beloved Texas staple, and McConaughey's enthusiastic endorsement of the dish highlights its enduring popularity in the Lone Star State. The actor's food preferences have garnered significant attention, making this a noteworthy moment for the classic comfort food.
The details
On the "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" episode, McConaughey and Fieri visited Monument Cafe in Georgetown, Texas, to try the King Ranch Chicken Casserole. When asked if he grew up eating the dish, McConaughey admitted that his mother "was not a good cook." However, after taking a bite, the actor was hooked, telling Fieri that he could "shovel down" a full plate of the casserole.
- The episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" featuring Matthew McConaughey aired in 2012.
The players
Matthew McConaughey
An Oscar-winning actor known for his love of Texas cuisine and culture.
Guy Fieri
The host of the Food Network show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives".
Rusty Winkstern
The owner of Monument Cafe in Georgetown, Texas.
What they’re saying
“Everyone in Texas has a different recipe. Did you grow up on it?”
— Rusty Winkstern, Owner, Monument Cafe
“No, my mom was not a good cook. Sorry, Mom, you know you weren't.”
— Matthew McConaughey
“[Could you] shovel down a plate full of that?”
— Guy Fieri, Host, *Diners, Drive-ins and Dives*
“Easily”
— Matthew McConaughey
What’s next
The recipe for the classic King Ranch Chicken Casserole that McConaughey enjoyed is available on Allrecipes.com, allowing readers to recreate the Texas comfort food at home.
The takeaway
Matthew McConaughey's enthusiastic endorsement of King Ranch Chicken Casserole, a beloved Tex-Mex dish, highlights the enduring popularity of this classic Texas comfort food and the actor's deep connection to the culinary traditions of his home state.
