John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck? Look no further than John Wayne Casserole! Named after the legendary actor, this casserole is packed with layers of ground beef, taco seasoning, vegetables, and cheese, all sitting on a base of buttery biscuit dough. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its Tex-Mex flavors, and it’s super simple to prepare. Whether you’re a fan of comfort food or love a good casserole, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

this Recipe

What is John Wayne Casserole?

John Wayne Casserole is a classic, layered casserole that’s often made with a base of biscuits or crescent roll dough, followed by layers of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and topped with a creamy sour cream mixture and plenty of melted cheese. The result is a rich, savory dish with a blend of flavors reminiscent of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day!

Ingredients List for John Wayne Casserole

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious John Wayne Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or crescent roll dough)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about John Wayne Casserole is that you can easily adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP), crumbled tofu, or black beans and corn.
• Spicy Version: If you like it spicy, use hot taco seasoning and add extra diced jalapeños or hot Rotel to the mixture.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free biscuit mix or gluten-free crescent roll dough.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations such as Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for extra depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get into how to make this hearty John Wayne Casserole step-by-step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Then, stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the flavors meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Layer

While the beef mixture is cooking, press the refrigerated biscuit dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the dough evenly across the bottom to create a crust, making sure it covers the entire base of the dish. You can pinch the dough together if needed to fill any gaps.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will add a tangy, creamy layer to your casserole.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole! Layer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture over the biscuit dough. Spread the creamy cheese mixture on top of the beef layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheesy topping will melt and create a delicious golden-brown crust when baked.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The biscuit layer should be fully cooked through as well.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream.

How to Cook John Wayne Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef, then add onions, peppers, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and green chilies.
3. Prepare the biscuit dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Make the creamy cheese mixture with sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and seasonings.
5. Assemble the casserole by layering the beef mixture, creamy cheese layer, and shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though John Wayne Casserole is easy to make, here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls:

• Not draining the beef: Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
• Overcooking the biscuit layer: Check the casserole around the 30-minute mark to make sure the biscuit layer is cooked but not overdone. If you see the top browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning.
• Not letting it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your John Wayne Casserole is perfectly baked and golden, here are some serving ideas to make it even more enjoyable.

How to Serve John Wayne Casserole

• With a Side Salad: Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or Southwest salad for a refreshing contrast.
• With Cornbread: Serve alongside cornbread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
• With Mexican Rice or Refried Beans: Add a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or even black beans for a Tex-Mex themed meal.

Presentation Ideas for John Wayne Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve in Ramekins: For a fancier presentation, you can bake and serve the casserole in individual ramekins.
• Top with Extra Toppings: Set out extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices to let guests customize their servings.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
A: Yes! Crescent roll dough works just as well and will give the base of the casserole a slightly flakier texture.

**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of

time?**
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Q: What are some good toppings for this casserole?
A: Great toppings include sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

This John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its Tex-Mex flavors and satisfying layers of beef, biscuit dough, and melted cheese, this casserole is both easy to make and delicious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a meal that’s as legendary as its namesake!

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