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John Wayne Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 15 reviews

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful baked dish featuring a biscuit crust layered with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, creamy cheese sauce, and spicy jalapenos. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this casserole combines Western-inspired taco flavors with a rich cheesy base for a satisfying one-dish dinner.

Ingredients

Biscuit Crust

  • 16 ounce can large biscuits

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning plus water as listed on the back or homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 medium onion (halved and sliced)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (halved and sliced)
  • 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeno peppers

Creamy Cheese Mixture

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the center. Lightly spray a 13x9 inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Biscuit Crust: Arrange the large biscuits in a single layer in the baking dish, pressing them together and pushing the dough up halfway along the sides to form a crust. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, starting to check after 12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside while leaving the oven on.
  3. Cook Taco Seasoned Ground Beef: While the biscuits bake, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Mix in the taco seasoning and water according to package instructions, cooking until well combined and heated through. Transfer the cooked taco meat to a bowl and wipe out the pan used.
  4. Mix Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced onion. Stir the mixture until smooth and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Using the empty taco meat pan, sauté the remaining half of the onions along with the sliced red bell peppers until slightly tender, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer the ingredients in this order: taco meat, sliced tomatoes, sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture, sliced jalapeno peppers, creamy cheese mixture, and finally sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish back into the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuit crust are lightly browned and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Check the biscuit crust frequently while baking to avoid over-browning.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers based on your preferred spice level.
  • You can use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher, more customizable flavor.
  • Serve with sour cream or salsa on the side for extra flavor if desired.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh before serving.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/john-wayne-casserole-recipe/