JOHN WAYNE CASSEROLE

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best elements of a taco and a casserole, look no further than John Wayne Casserole. This flavorful, easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy biscuit crust. With a blend of creamy and spicy flavors, John Wayne Casserole is sure to be a hit at your table!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 4 ounces sour cream
• 4 ounces mayonnaise
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cups biscuit mix
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeno peppers

Directions:

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture

Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and drained. Add the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions, and set the mixture aside.

2. Mix the Creamy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of Cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced onions. Mix well and set aside.

3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Follow the instructions on the biscuit mix packet, adding water to form a soft dough. Pat the dough into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

Sauté the remaining onions and green bell peppers in a pan until slightly tender.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Layer the ingredients over the biscuit dough in the following order: ground beef, tomato slices, sautéed onions and peppers, sliced jalapenos, the sour cream mixture, and finally, the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuit dough are lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Warm and Hearty: Serve John Wayne Casserole warm straight from the oven. It’s ideal for a comforting family meal or casual get-together.
• Accompaniments: Enhance your meal with a side salad, fresh guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream. A side of Mexican rice or black beans also complements the casserole nicely.
• Garnish: For added flair, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or a few extra slices of jalapenos for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: After the casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through, about 20-30 minutes. If reheating individual portions, you can use a microwave for quicker results.
• Thawing: If frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For a faster method, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your John Wayne Casserole remains delicious and enjoyable for days to come!

Variations:

1. Vegetarian John Wayne Casserole

• Substitute Ground Beef: Use a plant-based ground beef alternative or extra beans (black beans or kidney beans) for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese: Ensure you use vegetarian-friendly cheese to maintain the meat-free status.

2. Southwestern Style John Wayne Casserole

• Add Beans: Incorporate a can of drained black beans or pinto beans into the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Corn: Mix in some frozen or canned corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and color.

3. Spicy John Wayne Casserole

• Increase Heat: Add extra sliced jalapenos or use hot taco seasoning to ramp up the heat.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce over the top before baking or serve with a side of your favorite spicy salsa.

4. Cheesy John Wayne Casserole

• Extra Cheese: Mix additional shredded cheese into the beef mixture or layer extra cheese on top before baking for a gooier, cheesier result.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.

5. Low-Carb John Wayne Casserole

• Biscuit Mix: Use a low-carb biscuit mix or make a homemade almond flour or coconut flour biscuit base to cut down on carbohydrates.
• No-Tortilla Option: Skip the biscuit base entirely and replace it with a cauliflower crust or simply serve the filling on its own.

6. Mexican John Wayne Casserole

• Seasoning: Add a tablespoon of Mexican seasoning or taco seasoning to the sour cream mixture for extra flavor.
• Toppings: Top the casserole with sliced black olives, avocado, or fresh cilantro before serving.

7. Breakfast John Wayne Casserole

• Add Eggs: Stir in beaten eggs with the sour cream mixture to make it a breakfast casserole.
• Breakfast Sausage: Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage for a morning twist.

8. Green Chile John Wayne Casserole

• Add Green Chiles: Incorporate a can of diced green chiles into the beef mixture for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.

9. Garden Veggie John Wayne Casserole

• Additional Veggies: Mix in other vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Veggie Sauté: Sauté the additional veggies with the onions and bell peppers before layering in the casserole.

10. Buffalo John Wayne Casserole

• Buffalo Sauce: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy, tangy twist.
• Blue Cheese: Top with crumbled blue cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Each variation adds a unique twist to the classic John Wayne Casserole, making it a versatile and customizable dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. It will give the casserole a lighter flavor while still providing a good base for the dish.

2. How can I make this casserole spicier? To add more spice, increase the amount of sliced jalapenos, use hot taco seasoning, or add a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from the refrigerator.

4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover John Wayne Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

5. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble it and then freeze it unbaked or baked. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

6. What can I use instead of sour cream and mayonnaise? If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! You can include additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the casserole.

8. Is there a gluten-free option for the biscuit mix? Yes, there are gluten-free biscuit mixes available at most grocery stores. You can use one of these as a substitute to make the casserole gluten-free.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the edges of the biscuit crust are lightly browned, and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute different types of cheese based on your preference. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well in this recipe.