John Wayne Casserole

Have you ever heard of John Wayne Casserole? There’s an interesting story behind the name, but what matters is how delicious this beef and biscuit casserole is! It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavour, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Why Make This Recipe

  • Hearty and Filling: A combination of seasoned beef, biscuits, and cheese makes for a comforting, satisfying meal.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples.
  • Crowd Pleaser: This casserole serves up to 10 people and is always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • 2 pounds of ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning – Use homemade taco seasoning if preferred.
  • 16-ounce can large biscuits – Store-bought or homemade biscuit dough.
  • ½ cup sour cream – Greek yoghurt works as a substitute.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise – Light mayo or Greek yoghurt 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 colour bell pepper works.
  • 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers – Adjust for heat preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Overview

  1. Pre-bake biscuit crust.
  2. Prepare taco meat.
  3. Layer ingredients and bake.

Detailed Steps

  1. Prepare the Biscuit Crust
    • Preheat oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the centre.
    • Spray a 13×9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
    • Place biscuits in the dish in a single layer, pressing them together and halfway up the sides.
    • Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and set aside, leaving the oven on.
  2. Prepare the Taco Meat
    • While the biscuits bake, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add taco seasoning and water (according to packet instructions) and simmer until thickened.
    • Transfer the seasoned meat to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Layer
    • Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, half the shredded cheese, and half the sliced onions in a separate bowl.
    • Stir well and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables
    • In the same skillet used for the meat, sauté the remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender.
  5. Assemble the Casserole
    • Layer the ingredients over the baked biscuit crust in the following order:
      1. Taco meat
      2. Tomato slices
      3. Bell pepper and onion mixture
      4. Jalapeño slices
      5. Sour cream mixture
      6. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake the Casserole
    • Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the edges of the biscuit dough are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a side salad or rice.
  • Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for added freshness.

Pro Tips

  1. Even Baking: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
  2. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat preference.
  3. Make Ahead: Prepare and layer the casserole a day before serving, then bake.

Customizations and Add-Ons

  • Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for more texture.
  • Cheese Options: Experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella.
  • Protein Variations: Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef.

FAQs

Q: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits?

A: Yes! Crescent roll dough works well and will give a slightly different texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment