John Wayne Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to John Wayne Casserole
John Wayne Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of tacos and the comforting goodness of biscuits. It’s a hearty meal that brings family and friends together, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also satisfies those hearty cravings with its rich ingredients and layers of flavor.
A Personal Story Behind My John Wayne Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday. My grandmother often made her famous casserole recipes, and among them was the John Wayne Casserole. It became a staple in our household, and the aroma of spices and baked goods filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every bite was a reminder of love, laughter, and the importance of family meals.
What Makes This John Wayne Casserole Recipe Special?
What sets this John Wayne Casserole apart is its unique blend of flavors and textures. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, tangy sour cream, and gooey cheese layered over a fluffy biscuit crust makes each bite a burst of deliciousness. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite taco toppings. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress!
The Full John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (plus water as per packet instructions)
- 16 ounce can large biscuits
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced Jalapeno peppers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Grease a 13×9-inch glass baking dish.
- Place the biscuits in the baking dish in a single layer, pressing them together and halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, checking after 12 minutes. The dough should be lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside, keeping the oven on. Tip: Keep an eye on the biscuit crust as ovens can vary in temperature.
- While the biscuits bake, mix the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and water. Cook according to the seasoning packet instructions. Transfer the cooked taco meat to a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, and half of the onions. Mix well and set aside.
- Sauté the remaining half of the onions and bell peppers in the pan used for the taco meat until slightly tender.
- On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer the ingredients in this order: taco meat, tomato slices, sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture, and sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheese.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for John Wayne Casserole
This casserole can be served straight from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of salsa for an extra kick. You can also customize the toppings with your favorite taco ingredients such as olives, corn, or even some diced avocado for a fresh twist. Pair it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About John Wayne Casserole
Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. You can also make a vegetarian version by using black beans or lentils.
Is John Wayne Casserole spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider using fewer Jalapeno peppers or opting for mild taco seasoning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven when ready to enjoy again.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 8
John Wayne Casserole
Equipment
- 13x9-inch glass baking dish For baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- 1 ounce taco seasoning plus water as per packet instructions
- 16 ounce large biscuits
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper halved and sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced Jalapeno peppers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
- Place the biscuits in the baking dish in a single layer, pressing them together and halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned. Keep the oven on after removing.
- Mix the browned ground beef with taco seasoning and water. Cook according to the packet instructions, then transfer to a bowl.
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, and half of the onions in a separate bowl. Mix well.
- Sauté the remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender in the same pan used for taco meat.
- Layer the baked biscuit crust with taco meat, tomato slices, sautéed bell pepper and onion, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture, and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until edges are lightly browned and cheese is melted.