Description
John Wayne Casserole is a flavorful and hearty baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheesy toppings, all layered over a light biscuit crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a comforting mix of textures and spicy, cheesy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Biscuit Crust
- 16 ounce can large biscuits
For the Meat Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- Water as per packet instructions
For the Sour Cream Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced (divided)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F and place oven rack in the center. Spray a 13×9-inch glass baking dish. Place biscuits in the dish in a single layer, pressing them into the pan and partially up the sides. Bake on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes until edges are very lightly browned. Remove from oven and keep oven on.
- Prepare the beef: While biscuits are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water as instructed on the packet. Stir to combine and cook according to the packet instructions. Transfer cooked meat to a bowl and wipe the skillet clean.
- Make the sour cream mixture: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheese, and half of the sliced onions. Mix well and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the baked biscuit crust evenly. Layer the seasoned beef, followed by tomato slices, sautéed onions and peppers, sliced jalapeños, and the sour cream mixture. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake and serve: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are lightly browned. Serve hot, sliced into portions.
Notes
- Keep an oven thermometer handy to ensure proper baking temperature.
- Watch the biscuit crust closely; it should only be very lightly browned to prevent overbaking.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or adding hot sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (~250g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
