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Benjamin

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

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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:
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
  2. 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:
  1. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles.
  2. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the mixture to slightly thicken.
Prepare the Creamy Layer:
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Set this aside.
Bake the Biscuit Layer:
  1. 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.
  2. Bake the biscuits for 12 minutes, just until they begin to set.
Layer the Casserole:
  1. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.
  2. Add the creamy mixture on top of the beef layer, spreading it as evenly as possible.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection:
  1. Bake the casserole in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Serve:
  1. 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.

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