Dad’s Favorite Hearty John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This mouth-watering john wayne casserole blends bold Tex-Mex flavors that dance across your taste buds with unexpected zest.

Layers of seasoned ground beef create a robust foundation for this classic comfort dish.

Cheese melts luxuriously between crisp layers of tender ingredients.

Peppers and onions add a vibrant crunch that makes every bite exciting.

The recipe delivers a satisfying meal packed with southwestern charm and hearty appeal.

Tex-Mex lovers will devour this crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together faster than you can say “howdy.” One forkful will transport you straight to a rustic ranch kitchen brimming with delicious possibilities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 389 kcal

Servings: 9

John Wayne Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Robust meat that brings hearty southwestern flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
• Taco Seasoning: Spicy blend that transforms plain beef into zesty southwestern style, select low-sodium varieties for controlled saltiness.

• Ranch Dressing, Sour Cream: Tangy dairy components that create rich, smooth foundation, opt for full-fat versions for maximum creaminess.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides golden, melty finish, select aged varieties for deeper flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies: Vibrant ingredients that add moisture and southwestern kick, choose fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.

• Refrigerated Biscuits, Corn Chips: Textural elements that provide crispy contrast, break biscuits randomly for rustic appearance or crush chips for scattered crunch.

Casserole Gear for That Cowboy-Style Bake

• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and mixing ingredients evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering casserole ingredients and even baking.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir beef mixture and spread layers smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Recommended if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dish.

How to Make John Wayne Casserole Step by Step

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F to get ready for a flavor-packed meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it’s perfectly cooked. Drain away the extra fat, then jazz it up with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Toss in diced tomatoes and green chilies and let everything mingle for a few minutes.

• Create the Base Layer

Spread a creamy ranch blanket across the bottom of your baking dish to keep things moist and delicious.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Layer the spicy beef mixture right on top of the ranch. Dollop sour cream across the meat, then shower everything with a blizzard of shredded cheddar. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumble some biscuits or sprinkle corn chips for extra crunch.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the cheese turns into a bubbling masterpiece.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your creation and let it cool briefly. Slice it up and garnish with green onions, jalapeños, or an extra swirl of sour cream for a knockout meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Flavor-Packed Layers and Texture

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the ground beef mixture for an extra layer of smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture and zesty flavor profile.
• Substitute biscuits or corn chips with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a low-carbohydrate version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Swap ground beef with black beans, diced bell peppers, and plant-based crumbles to create a completely vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Serve This Casserole Hot and Filling

• Southwestern Fiesta Feast: Pair with zesty Mexican rice or cilantro-lime beans for a complete southwestern-inspired meal.
• Taco Party Platter: Create a build-your-own taco bar alongside the casserole, offering fresh salsa, guacamole, and additional toppings for guests to customize their plates.
• Fresh and Crisp Side: Serve with a light, refreshing chopped salad featuring mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the casserole's rich flavors.
• Cool and Creamy Complement: Add a side of chilled corn and avocado salad or quick pickled vegetables to provide a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.

Keep John Wayne Casserole Fresh Overnight

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container before freezing. Frozen casserole remains tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to retain moisture. For larger servings, reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring cheese melts evenly and edges remain crispy.
• Prepare casserole components separately in advance. Cook ground beef and store in refrigerator, chop toppings, and keep cheese shredded. Assemble and bake when ready to serve, reducing total cooking time and making weeknight dinners easier.

FAQs

• What are the main flavor components in John Wayne Casserole?

The main flavor components include ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chilies, ranch dressing, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a bold and zesty Tex-Mex inspired dish.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and green chilies you use. For a milder version, choose a mild taco seasoning and reduce or omit the green chilies. If you like heat, opt for hot taco seasoning or add extra jalapenos.

• What protein alternatives can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole while maintaining its hearty texture.

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smooth chocolate raspberry bavarois brings French patisserie magic to dessert lovers. Delicate layers of rich chocolate and tart raspberry create an elegant finale that delights sophisticated palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1.5 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.33 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stabilizing and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons powdered gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups whipped cream
• Extra fresh raspberries
• Shaved dark chocolate
• Mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the vibrant raspberry coulis by simmering fresh raspberries with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the fruits break down completely.
2. Strain the coulis through a fine mesh sieve to extract a smooth, seed-free liquid, then chill in the refrigerator until needed.
3. Bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water and allowing it to rest for 5 minutes, creating a soft, jelly-like consistency.
4. Gently warm milk and heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a steaming point, avoiding boiling.
5. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy texture.
6. Gradually incorporate the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
7. Return the combined liquid to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Remove from heat and fold in chopped chocolate until a smooth, glossy mixture forms.
9. Integrate the bloomed gelatin, ensuring complete dissolution into the chocolate base.
10. Introduce vanilla extract and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
11. Fold whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture, creating a light and airy texture.
12. Pour a delicate layer of raspberry coulis into serving glasses.
13. Carefully spoon the chocolate Bavarois over the coulis, creating an elegant layered effect.
14. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the dessert sets firmly.
15. Garnish with fresh raspberries, delicate chocolate shavings, and a sprig of mint before serving chilled.

Notes

• Select ripe, fresh raspberries for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness in the coulis.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to enhance the rich, deep chocolate taste.
• Stabilize the gelatin by ensuring water is cold and allowing it to bloom completely before incorporating into the mixture.
• Be gentle when folding whipped cream to maintain the light, airy texture of the Bavarois without deflating the mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 304
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg