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Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe


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4.3 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Easy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish featuring a savory ground beef and onion base layered over a cheesy Bisquick biscuit crust, topped with a creamy sour cream mixture, bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with a simple, one-dish preparation.


Ingredients

For the Biscuit Layer

  • 2¼ cups Bisquick
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 2½ cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

For the Meat Layer

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 package (¼ cup) taco seasoning
  • 10 oz Rotel tomatoes, undrained

For the Topping

  • ½ cup sour cream (plus more for serving)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional garnish)
  • Sliced black olives (optional garnish)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  2. Brown the meat and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, and the onions have softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Season the meat: Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked meat and onion mixture until well combined.
  4. Add tomatoes: Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and mix evenly with the meat. Set this savory mixture aside.
  5. Mix biscuit dough: In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick mix with water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Then fold in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a cohesive dough.
  6. Form biscuit base: Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared glass baking dish, forming a uniform crust layer.
  7. Layer meat mixture: Spread the seasoned ground beef and tomato mixture evenly over the biscuit base in the baking dish.
  8. Prepare sour cream topping: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
  9. Add sour cream layer: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the meat layer in the casserole.
  10. Top casserole: Arrange the sliced red bell pepper over the sour cream layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  11. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
  12. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives if desired. Serve warm with extra sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly to enhance flavor and texture.
  • If desired, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra spice.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex