Description
Hearty John Wayne Casserole brings Southwestern comfort to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors packed into one satisfying dish. Layers of ground beef, peppers, and cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (16.3 ounces / 462 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
seasoning and flavor enhancers:
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
creamy ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Craft a solid foundation by gently pressing biscuit dough across the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating a golden-hued crust through a 15-minute baking session at 350F.
- Transform ground beef into a robust filling by browning thoroughly in a skillet, eliminating excess fat, and infusing with zesty taco seasoning and water. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Elevate the vegetable profile by sautéing sliced onions and crimson bell peppers until they become tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Construct a luxurious creamy layer by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, incorporating sautéed vegetables for additional depth.
- Layer the culinary masterpiece strategically: position the seasoned ground beef atop the pre-baked biscuit foundation, followed by remaining sautéed vegetables.
- Artfully arrange sliced tomatoes and fiery jalapeno peppers across the vegetable landscape, creating a vibrant mosaic of colors and textures.
- Generously spread the creamy mixture over the vegetable canvas, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
- Shower the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a melty, golden blanket of dairy decadence.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a bubbling, appetizing crown.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and settle before serving this hearty, rustic dish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
- For a gluten-free version, swap biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower crust.
- Vegetarian option works perfectly by replacing ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for protein.
- Add extra spice by including diced green chiles or using a spicier taco seasoning blend for heat lovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg