John Wayne Casserole

Introduction

John Wayne Casserole is one of those recipes that has been a hit in my family for years. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, it’s the perfect comfort food for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory vegetables, and cheesy goodness, all topped with a creamy ranch sour cream mixture, makes this casserole truly irresistible. We first made it on a chilly evening, and it became an instant favorite. My kids and husband devoured it in no time, and I’ve made it several times since, tweaking the recipe as I go.

What I love most about John Wayne Casserole is its versatility. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, but you can also customize it to suit your family’s preferences. The layers of cheese and ranch creaminess are undeniably delicious, and if you like a little extra kick, the jalapeños are a perfect addition. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s simple to make, filling, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Season the Beef:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
   Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Spread the biscuit dough in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pre-bake the biscuits for 5 minutes, just until they start to puff up.
5. Layer the Beef Mixture:
   Once the biscuits are pre-baked, spread the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the biscuit base.
6. Make the Ranch Sour Cream Topping:
   In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
7. Add the Cheese and Jalapeños:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like a little heat, add the sliced jalapeños on top.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the biscuit base is cooked through.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – assuming 6 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

How to Serve

• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh, light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• With Sour Cream and Salsa: For extra flavor, serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a side of salsa for dipping.
• Topped with Jalapeños: If you like spice, top the casserole with extra fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• For a Hearty Meal: Serve it as a stand-alone dish, and it will be filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Additional Tips

1. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner version of this casserole, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
2. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
3. Make It Spicy: If you like things extra spicy, try adding some diced green chilies or more jalapeños to the beef mixture.
4. Use Homemade Biscuits: If you have time, consider using homemade biscuit dough for an even fresher taste.
5. Top with Fresh Cilantro: For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, and use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make the casserole vegan-friendly.
• Cheesy Tex-Mex Version: Add a layer of refried beans between the beef mixture and the ranch sour cream topping for a heartier, more Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
• Southwestern Flare: Add corn kernels, black beans, and diced green chilies to the beef mixture for an extra flavor punch.
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Swap the ground beef with cooked, shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy and tangy twist on the traditional casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• For Game Day: This casserole is a perfect dish to serve during the big game or a sports gathering. It’s hearty and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Family Dinner: Serve it for a cozy family dinner. The kids will love the cheesy, savory layers, while the adults will appreciate the flavor-packed beef and veggie mixture.
• Party Appetizer: Slice the casserole into smaller portions to serve as a delicious appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• For Leftovers: If you have leftovers, it makes a great lunch the next day, reheated in the microwave or oven.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this casserole for a leaner option.
3. Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
   Yes! You can add extra jalapeños, chili flakes, or even hot sauce to the casserole for extra heat.
4. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
   Yes, homemade biscuit dough can be used instead of the refrigerated biscuits for a more from-scratch approach.
5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Yes, simply omit the meat and replace it with a plant-based alternative or a mixture of beans and veggies.
6. How long does this casserole take to cook?
   It takes about 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on your oven. Ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly before removing it from the oven.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the casserole once it has cooled. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
8. What can I serve with this casserole?
   A side salad, chips, or even a simple salsa and guacamole make great accompaniments.
9. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
   Yes, feel free to add additional vegetables such as corn, spinach, or zucchini to make the dish even more nutritious.
10. Is there a gluten-free option?
    Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure the ranch dressing mix is gluten-free.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With its hearty layers of beef, cheese, and ranch dressing, topped with a golden biscuit crust, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a

family or hosting a gathering, this dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory casserole!

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