Name: John Wayne Casserole: A Hearty, Tex-Mex Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482865H4M51S
Total time: PT-482865H4M51S
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained; 1-ounce packet taco seasoning (Use homemade taco seasoning if preferred); 16-ounce can large biscuits (Store-bought or homemade biscuit dough); ½ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works as a substitute); ½ cup mayonnaise (Light mayo or Greek yogurt can be used); 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (Swap with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese); 1 medium onion, sliced and halved; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced; 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (Any color bell pepper works); 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers (Adjust for heat preference)

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Looking for a crowd-pleasing, comfort food casserole that combines all the savory goodness of Tex-Mex flavors? Look no further than John Wayne Casserole! This flavorful casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and a savory biscuit crust, all baked to perfection. The result is a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

The beauty of John Wayne Casserole lies in its layers of flavor. The ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning, serves as the hearty base, while the biscuits provide a buttery, flaky layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping made from sour cream and mayo. Topped with cheddar cheese, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a fan of spicy jalapeños or prefer a milder version, this recipe can be customized to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor-Packed

The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh veggies makes this casserole rich and flavorful. The taco seasoning adds just the right amount of spice.

2. Comforting and Hearty

With its biscuit crust, ground beef, and creamy topping, this casserole is the perfect comfort food that’ll fill you up and keep you satisfied.

3. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the heat with more or less jalapeños or swap out ingredients to suit your tastes—this recipe is incredibly versatile.

4. Quick to Make

John Wayne Casserole comes together easily, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This casserole stores well in the fridge, and it can be reheated for delicious leftovers the next day. It’s perfect for making ahead.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Ground beef (substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Canned large biscuits (you can use homemade biscuit dough or crescent rolls)
Sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative)
Mayonnaise (light mayo or Greek yogurt as substitutes)
Cheddar cheese, shredded (Monterey Jack or Colby cheese are great alternatives)
Onion, sliced
Tomatoes, sliced
Red bell pepper, halved and sliced (use any color of bell pepper)
Canned sliced jalapeño peppers (adjust to taste)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
Meat-Free: Use black beans or pinto beans in place of the ground beef for a vegetarian version.
Different Cheese: Mix and match cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic cheddar flavor.
Add More Veggies: Include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the biscuits to cover the bottom of the dish. You can arrange the biscuits whole or tear them into pieces to fit.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuits. Top with a layer of sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Add the sliced onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños over the beef layer. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra jalapeños, fresh herbs, or sour cream if desired.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Biscuit Layer: Make sure the biscuit layer is evenly spread across the bottom for an even crust.
Use Lean Ground Beef: To cut down on excess fat, use lean or extra-lean ground beef, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the jalapeños or use just a few slices.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to add more nutrition and flavor.

How to Serve

John Wayne Casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish on its own, but you can pair it with:

A fresh green salad with a tangy dressing.
Mexican-style rice or Spanish rice to complement the flavors.
A side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven. If reheating from frozen, be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a great substitute for ground beef in this casserole.

2. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade seasoning, just mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create your own blend.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge overnight before baking.

4. What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can omit the jalapeños or use mild green chilies instead. The dish will still have great flavor without the heat.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of mozzarella will work in place of the cheddar.

6. Can I use a different type of biscuit dough?

Yes, you can use crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough as a substitute for the canned dough.

7. How can I make the casserole even more filling?

Add more beans, corn, or additional veggies for extra bulk and flavor.

8. Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Just let it cool, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

9. How can I make this casserole less rich?

To lighten up the casserole, use low-fat sour cream and light mayonnaise, and opt for a leaner ground beef or turkey.

10. How do I ensure the biscuit crust is fully cooked?

Make sure to bake the casserole until the biscuit layer is golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex and comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy layers and perfectly seasoned beef, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress. Enjoy!