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Hearty John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Hearty John Wayne Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Spicy john wayne casserole delivers a hearty Tex-Mex delight packed with ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Comfort food fans will savor this classic southwestern-style dish that promises satisfying flavor in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
  • 1 can (16.3 oz / 462 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 8 oz (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 can (4 oz / 113 grams) sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Biscuit Base Preparation: Press biscuit dough evenly across the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a golden crust through a 15-minute baking session at 350F.
  2. Meat and Seasoning Fusion: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and simmer with taco seasoning and water to develop robust flavors.
  3. Vegetable Symphony: Sauté onions and bell peppers simultaneously until tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatic essence.
  4. Creamy Fusion Layer: Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the cheddar cheese, incorporating sautéed vegetables to create a rich, harmonious mixture.
  5. Strategic Layering: Arrange seasoned ground beef over the pre-baked biscuit foundation, topped with sautéed vegetables, creating a robust flavor profile.
  6. Vibrant Topping Arrangement: Distribute sliced tomatoes and jalapeno peppers across the surface, introducing color, texture, and zesty elements.
  7. Cheese and Cream Finale: Spread creamy mixture thoroughly, then shower with remaining cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor integration.
  8. Culinary Transformation: Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crown, signaling the dish’s readiness.
  9. Flavor Settlement: Rest the casserole briefly, allowing ingredients to meld and flavors to harmonize before serving this rustic, hearty creation.

Notes

  • Optimize Biscuit Base: Ensure biscuit dough is evenly pressed to create a uniform crust, preventing thin or uneven spots that might lead to soggy bottom.
  • Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain ground beef after browning to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and compromising texture.
  • Vegetable Precision: Slice onions and bell peppers uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown top without burning or becoming rubbery.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg