Description
John Wayne casserole combines hearty Tex-Mex flavors with classic comfort food textures. Layers of ground beef, peppers, and cheesy goodness make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) diced onions
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced bell peppers
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (16.3 ounces/462 grams) refrigerated biscuits
- 1 can sliced jalapenos (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a hearty southwestern-style comfort dish.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, incorporating taco seasoning and ensuring thorough cooking. Remove excess grease through careful draining.
- Gently spread biscuit dough across the bottom of a greased casserole dish, creating a rustic foundation for the layers.
- Craft a creamy blend by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and colorful bell peppers in a mixing bowl.
- Arrange the seasoned ground beef evenly over the biscuit base, establishing the protein layer of the casserole.
- Generously spread the prepared cheese and vegetable mixture across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Garnish the top with vibrant diced tomatoes and sprinkle sliced jalapenos for an optional spicy kick.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface.
- Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Make biscuit crust extra crispy by pre-baking it for 5-7 minutes before adding other ingredients, ensuring a perfect golden texture and preventing sogginess.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that maintains the same delicious southwestern flavor profile.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and selecting reduced-fat cheese options without compromising the casserole’s rich, comforting taste.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or black beans to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced, nutrient-dense meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 507
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg