John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Introduction
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with cheesy, creamy layers. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a comforting southwest-inspired taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red & green)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise OR sour cream
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the biscuit mix with water until combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes to set the base.
- Step 3: While the biscuit base bakes, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise or sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well to create a creamy cheese layer.
- Step 6: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base in the dish.
- Step 7: Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the beef layer, distributing it evenly.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top to finish the layering.
- Step 9: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Using a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise can add extra creaminess.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is also an option but may soften the biscuit base.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I use gluten-free biscuit mix?
Absolutely. Substitute with a gluten-free biscuit or baking mix to make this casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
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John Wayne Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy creamy layer baked over a biscuit base. This easy casserole offers a comforting blend of Tex-Mex flavors baked to bubbly perfection, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red & green)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
Seasoning & Dairy
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise OR sour cream
Biscuit Base
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make biscuit base and par-bake: Combine the biscuit mix with water to form a batter, spread it evenly in the baking dish, then bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Cook filling: While the biscuit base bakes, brown the ground beef in a skillet with chopped onions and bell peppers. Drain excess fat once cooked.
- Season beef mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles into the beef mixture, cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream or mayonnaise with half of the shredded cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Layer beef over biscuit: Spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit base in the baking dish.
- Add creamy cheese layer: Spoon the cheese and sour cream/mayo mixture over the beef layer, spreading carefully.
- Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the casserole’s top layer.
- Bake until golden: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Using either mayonnaise or sour cream is optional; sour cream adds tang while mayo offers creaminess.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture making the casserole soggy.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: John Wayne Casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, biscuit base casserole, Tex-Mex casserole
