Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful American main course featuring a savory ground beef and taco seasoning base layered with a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, cheeses, and vegetables, all baked atop a tender biscuit crust made from Bisquick. Perfect for family dinners, this Southwestern-inspired bake combines rich textures and bold flavors in an easy-to-make, satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dairy and Sauce Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
Biscuit Layer
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 cup water (for biscuit dough)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup water with the cooked beef. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix with 1/2 cup water and stir until a soft dough forms. This will be the base layer of your casserole.
- Assemble Biscuit Layer: Press the prepared biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a firm foundation for the layers above.
- Add Beef Layer: Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit dough layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Mix Creamy Topping: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green chilies. Stir it together before spreading this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Layer Vegetables and Tomatoes: Evenly distribute the sliced onions and green bell peppers on top of the creamy sauce layer. Then add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies as the next layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese over the entire casserole surface for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the biscuit base is cooked through and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat or black olives for additional flavor complexity.
- This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
