Description
John Wayne Casserole delivers hearty Southwestern comfort with layers of beefy, cheesy goodness. Spicy ground beef, zesty peppers, and melted cheese create a memorable meal that connects home cooks to classic American ranch-style cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
Vegetables and Toppings:
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (1 ½ cups)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4 ounces) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (Optional)
Dairy and Base:
- 1 (16.3 ounces) can refrigerated biscuits
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Carefully unroll the biscuit dough, pressing it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dough turns a delicate golden brown. Maintain the oven temperature.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat using a colander.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and water into the beef, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become tender and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Create a creamy mixture by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheese, and half of the sautéed vegetable mixture in a mixing bowl.
- Construct the casserole by layering cooked beef over the baked biscuit base, followed by tomato slices, remaining vegetable mixture, and optional jalapeño peppers. Spread the creamy mixture evenly across the top and sprinkle remaining cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops a light golden color.
Notes
- Let leftovers rest in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors in an airtight container.
- Freeze individual portions carefully wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for convenient future meals.
- Prep ahead by refrigerating the entire casserole for 24 hours before heating, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting jalapeño amounts or selecting mild to hot taco seasoning varieties.
- Choose fresh, ripe ingredients like vibrant tomatoes and crisp bell peppers to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Mix in full-fat dairy products for a richer, more indulgent and creamy texture that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 532 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 839 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg