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Best John Wayne Casserole: Easy, Cozy Recipe for Busy Families


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  • Author: Benjamin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food with this John Wayne Casserole! Packed with layers of fluffy biscuits, taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy toppings, and melty cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks, this casserole combines Tex-Mex flavors with an all-American twist. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a favorite at your table!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can Grands biscuits
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook the Ground Beef:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
    • Drain any excess grease and stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add Seasonings:
    • Stir in the taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles.
    • Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the mixture to slightly thicken.
  • Prepare the Creamy Layer:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Set this aside.
  • Bake the Biscuit Layer:
    • Remove the biscuits from the can and press them evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Stretch and pinch the biscuits to completely cover the base.
    • Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes, just until they begin to set.
  • Layer the Casserole:
    • Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.
    • Add the creamy mixture on top of the beef layer, spreading it as evenly as possible.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Bake to Perfection:
    • Bake the casserole in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  • Serve:
    • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this hearty dish on its own or with your favorite sides!

Notes

  • Biscuit Base: Be sure to par-bake the biscuits to ensure they cook through and stay fluffy under the layers.
  • Customize the Heat: For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole (except for the baking step) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American