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
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the meat: Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked meat and onion mixture until well combined.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and mix evenly with the meat. Set this savory mixture aside.
- 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.
- Form biscuit base: Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared glass baking dish, forming a uniform crust layer.
- Layer meat mixture: Spread the seasoned ground beef and tomato mixture evenly over the biscuit base in the baking dish.
- Prepare sour cream topping: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add sour cream layer: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the meat layer in the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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