Description
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, a biscuit crust, and layers of cheese, vegetables, and creamy sour cream topping, baked to golden perfection. This John Wayne Casserole is a delicious southwestern-inspired comfort food perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, enhancing the beef’s flavor.
- Prepare Biscuit Crust: Press the refrigerated biscuit dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it slightly up the sides to form a crust base for the casserole.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful creamy topping.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the biscuit crust in the baking dish. Next, layer the sliced onions, bell peppers, and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles evenly on top of the beef layer.
- Add Sour Cream Mixture: Spoon the creamy sour cream mixture over the layered vegetables, spreading it gently for an even coverage.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese along with all of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sour cream layer to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, ensuring the biscuit crust is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add jalapeños to the mix for extra heat and spice.
- Use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise to reduce calorie content.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid greasy casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for better slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
