Description

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef layered with a biscuit dough crust, creamy sour cream and mayonnaise mixture, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines classic taco flavors with a unique biscuit base for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water

Crust

1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough
Nonstick cooking spray

Filling

1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
2 tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the taco meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Stir and let it simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the crust: Press the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to partially cook it.
Layer the casserole: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onion until well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust. Then layer the cooked taco meat, chopped bell pepper, diced green chiles, chopped tomatoes, and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole back into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the vegetables are tender.
Finish and serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before slicing. Serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce.
The refrigerated biscuit dough crust can be replaced with crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Adding a layer of black beans can increase fiber and protein content.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: John Wayne casserole, taco casserole, biscuit crust casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food casserole