Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish featuring a ground beef and vegetable filling spiced with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all nestled atop a partially baked biscuit crust. Topped with a creamy ranch mixture, melted cheeses, and optional jalapeños, this casserole offers a comforting blend of textures and bold Southwestern-inspired flavors perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Biscuit Base
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
Ranch Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole assembly.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until the vegetables soften. Stir in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: Spread the biscuit dough evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Bake it for 5 minutes until the biscuits just begin to puff, creating a partially baked crust base for the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon and spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Ranch Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Stir until smooth and then spread this creamy ranch mixture uniformly over the beef layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the ranch layer. If desired for extra heat, scatter the sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese melts completely, becomes bubbly, and the biscuit base is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure it sets well and is safe to eat. Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a milder casserole, omit the jalapeños or use less spicy peppers.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If refrigerated biscuits are unavailable, homemade biscuit dough can be used as well.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Adding extra vegetables like corn or black beans can enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
