Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting layered dish featuring a crispy biscuit crust topped with seasoned ground beef, a creamy sour cream and cheese mixture, and a golden melted cheddar cheese topping. This easy-to-make casserole combines savory southwest flavors with a rich, cheesy finish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
Creamy Cheese Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for mixing, 1 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, making sure to seal all seams. Bake for 10 minutes until the crust is lightly set and beginning to brown.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Add Seasoning and Peppers: Stir the taco seasoning packet, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chopped green bell pepper into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend all flavors, then remove from heat.
- Make Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Layer Beef Mixture: Spread the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust to create the second layer.
- Spread Creamy Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the beef layer to create a creamy third layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a melted, golden finish.
- Bake to Finish: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a soggy crust.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before slicing helps it hold together better.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
