Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish featuring a baked biscuit crust topped with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise layer, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this casserole combines savory Tex-Mex flavors with comforting ingredients for an easy-to-make dinner.
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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Press the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, making sure to seal all the seams to form a solid crust. Bake for 10 minutes until the dough is lightly set but not browned.
- Cook beef and aromatics. While the crust is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add vegetables and seasoning. Stir in the taco seasoning packet, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chopped green bell pepper into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the creamy cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole layers. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust in the baking dish. Next, evenly spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
- Add the cheese topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the sour cream layer.
- Bake to finish. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers to set and makes for easier serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Pressing the biscuit dough seams firmly helps prevent leaks and ensures a solid crust base.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the layers to settle for cleaner slices.
- You can add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat if desired.
- Serve with fresh salsa or a side salad for a balanced meal.
