Description
John Wayne Casserole is a bold and comforting American West-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, creamy cheese sauce, and a buttery biscuit crust. This hearty casserole combines savory taco-seasoned beef, bell peppers, onions, and a tangy sour cream-mayo mixture, all topped with melted Cheddar cheese and sliced tomatoes for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4 ounce) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (Optional)
Cheese and Sauces
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake Biscuit Base: Press the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the greased baking pan. Bake this crust for 15 to 20 minutes until it is lightly browned. Keep the oven on for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the crust bakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until they become slightly tender, roughly 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked onion and pepper mixture. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Casserole: On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer the browned taco-seasoned ground beef evenly. Arrange sliced tomatoes over the beef, then add the remaining onion and bell pepper mixture. If using, distribute the drained jalapeño peppers next. Spoon and spread the prepared sour cream and cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the top. Place the casserole uncovered in the 350°F oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- For a milder heat, substitute banana peppers for jalapeños.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow for cleaner, easier slices.
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the quantity of jalapeños or omitting them altogether.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
