Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish featuring a base of partially baked biscuits topped with a savory seasoned ground beef mixture, fresh vegetables, creamy mayo-sour cream sauce, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This one-dish meal combines Tex-Mex flavors with comfort food, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 16 ounces refrigerated large biscuits
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¼ – ½ cup water
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 14 ounces canned corn, drained
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced jalapenos
Creamy Layer
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare biscuit base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the refrigerated biscuits in a single layer, pressing them slightly to cover the bottom evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes to partially cook the biscuits.
- Sauté vegetables and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Add seasoning and vegetables to beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ to ½ cup water, mixing thoroughly. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and drained corn. Cook for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble beef layer: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuits in the baking dish. Scatter the sliced jalapenos evenly on top of the beef.
- Prepare creamy layer: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Spread this mixture evenly over the jalapenos to create a smooth creamy layer.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the creamy layer to cover completely.
- Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the biscuits are fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty casserole.
Notes
- Partial baking of the biscuit base ensures it cooks through during the final bake without becoming soggy.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity to control heat level to taste.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
