Here’s a classic John Wayne Casserole — a hearty, Tex-Mex–style comfort dish named after the Duke himself. It’s loaded with layers of biscuit crust, seasoned beef, veggies, and a creamy, cheesy topping.
🤠 John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for spice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the crust:
Press the biscuit dough into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of the baking dish.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside (it will continue baking later). - Cook the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. - Make the creamy mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheese, and half of the onions. Mix well. - Assemble the casserole:
- Layer the cooked beef over the baked biscuit crust.
- Add chopped bell pepper, remaining onion, tomatoes, and green chilies on top.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. - Serve:
Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm!
🌶️ Optional Add-Ins
- Add black olives or corn for extra flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce on the side.
Would you like me to give you a “from scratch” version (without canned biscuits or mayo)? It’s just as tasty and a bit fresher.
