John Wayne Casserole

The John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish as iconic as its namesake. Packed with bold, comforting ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Here are some delicious reasons why you should make this casserole:

1. Packed with Tex-Mex Flavor

Ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chiles, and creamy cheese make this dish a Tex-Mex delight. Every bite is an explosion of flavor perfect for spice lovers.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

The recipe uses everyday pantry staples like canned biscuits or crescent rolls, sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings. These simple ingredients create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

3. Perfect for Any Meal

John Wayne Casserole works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Add a side salad for a complete dinner or pair it with scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty breakfast.

4. Great for Feeding a Crowd

This casserole is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or game day. Its large servings make it perfect for sharing, and it’s always a hit on the table.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn, or turn up the heat with extra jalapeños or hot sauce.

6. Leftovers Are Just as Good

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

7. A Nod to Nostalgia

Named after the legendary actor John Wayne, this casserole carries a sense of old-school charm. It’s a dish with history and a rustic appeal that is a classic example of America food.

Give the John Wayne Casserole a try, and you’ll quickly see why it has become a beloved dish in so many households. It’s comfort food at its finest!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds of ground beef browned and drained
• 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning plus water listed on the back
• 16-ounce can of large biscuits
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ 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

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and place your oven rack in the center. Spray a 13×9 glass baking dish.
2. Place biscuits in a pan in a single layer and press into the pen, joining them together. Then press the dough halfway up the sides of the pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake the dough in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes; checking every few minutes after 12. The dough should be very light brown and the edges are just starting to get color. Remove from oven and set aside, leave the oven on.
3. While the biscuits are baking, combine the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and water, and cook according to packet instructions. Transfer cooked taco meat to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the pan.
4. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the onions. Stir well and set aside.
5. Saute the remaining onions and bell peppers in the taco meat pan until slightly tender.
6. On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer ingredients in the following order: taco meat, tomato slices, bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the edges of the dough are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.