John Wayne Casserole

Introduction

The first time I made John Wayne Casserole for my family, it was an instant hit. We had just come off a long week of busy schedules, and everyone was craving something hearty and comforting for dinner. I remembered a recipe I had seen online that was loaded with ground beef, veggies, cheese, and a tangy ranch sour cream mixture, and I knew it would be perfect. The layers of flavors combined with the biscuit base made it one of those dishes that left everyone at the table satisfied, and it’s now one of my go-to comfort food recipes. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to fit your family’s tastes, from adding more spice to altering the cheese blend. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, John Wayne Casserole is a must-try.

Ingredients

For this hearty casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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 and Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. This helps ensure that it cooks evenly. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the beef, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from burning.
4. Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
5. Prepare the Biscuit Layer:
   Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and tear the dough into pieces. Spread the biscuit dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Pre-bake the biscuits in the oven for about 5 minutes until they begin to puff up but are not fully cooked through.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Once the biscuits have pre-baked, spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base, pressing it gently to ensure it sticks. In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer.
7. Add Cheese and Jalapeños:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the ranch mixture. If you like a bit of extra spice, add the sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese layer.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The biscuit base should be fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut and serve.

Nutrition Facts

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories per serving: 520 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Family Dinner: This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or when you’re having guests over. Serve with a side of salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• For Potlucks: John Wayne Casserole is an excellent dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is sure to impress.
• With Hot Sauce: If you like a little extra spice, serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side or drizzle it on top before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Customize the Spice Level: If you like things spicy, feel free to add extra jalapeños or even a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
2. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will still give you the same delicious flavors with less fat.
3. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to bake.
4. Use a Different Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper Jack cheese adds a great kick, while a blend of mozzarella and provolone works wonderfully as well.
5. Serve with a Side of Guacamole: A side of guacamole adds a refreshing, creamy contrast to the savory, cheesy casserole.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian John Wayne Casserole: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a mixture of your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
2. More Veggies: Add additional veggies to the beef mixture, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. These vegetables will add extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
3. Gluten-Free: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuits or a gluten-free biscuit mix for the base.
4. Cheesy Biscuit Topping: Instead of the pre-baked biscuit base, use a layer of homemade cheesy biscuits on top of the casserole for a cheesy, golden crust.
5. Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a slow cooker recipe, layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours until everything is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, serve the casserole with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
• With Fresh Salsa: Fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, making it the perfect topping or side.
• Pair with Rice: For a heartier meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice to complete the dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Freezing: John Wayne Casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as usual.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
   Yes, you can use cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
2. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   Add more jalapeños or even a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture to turn up the heat.
3. Can I use a different type of biscuit?
   Yes, you can use any type of refrigerated biscuit dough, but flaky biscuits work best.
4. Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?
   Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
5. How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Simply use gluten-free biscuits to ensure the casserole is gluten-free.
6. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
7. How can I make this casserole more nutritious?
   Add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, to boost the nutritional content.
8. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to serve.
9. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat thoroughly before serving.
10. **What other cheeses can I use in this casserole

?**
Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar would work great.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a buttery biscuit base, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. The versatility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to suit your family’s tastes, making it a go-to dish for many occasions. Whether you serve it with a side salad, tortilla chips, or your favorite hot sauce, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine!

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