Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish featuring a biscuit crust topped with a seasoned ground beef mixture, creamy sour cream-mayonnaise blend, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting casserole combines savory Tex-Mex flavors with an easy-to-make biscuit base for a satisfying family meal.
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 Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F and 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 this crust for 10 minutes until it is lightly set and partially baked.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chopped green bell pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Beef Mixture on Crust: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust in the baking dish.
- Layer Creamy Mixture: Evenly spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the beef layer.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Finish: Bake the layered casserole in the oven for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Draining the grease from the beef helps reduce excess fat content.
- Sealing biscuit dough seams prevents the crust from separating during baking.
- You can add extra vegetables like corn or black beans to the beef mixture for more texture and nutrition.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing allows it to set for neater servings.
- This recipe serves well with a side salad or Mexican rice.
