John Wayne Casserole

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Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that your whole family will love? Look no further than our mouthwatering John Wayne Casserole recipe! Packed with savory ground beef, veggies, gooey cheese, and a creamy ranch sour cream topping, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cups diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons dry Ranch seasoning
  • 10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups Bisquick or favorite biscuit mix
  • 1 1/4 cup water, divided

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add Flavor: Add diced onion, bell pepper, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir until well blended, then cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
  4. Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese, and dry Ranch seasoning until smooth. Set aside.
  5. Prepare Biscuit Layer: In a large bowl, mix Bisquick and 3/4 cup of water to form a soft dough. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 5 minutes until set.
  6. Layering: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer, followed by the Rotel diced tomatoes.
  7. Add Creamy Topping: Spoon the sour cream mixture over the tomatoes and gently spread it over the top of the casserole.
  8. Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  9. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the biscuit layer is fully cooked and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of this comforting John Wayne Casserole!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the casserole before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
  2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve this delicious casserole with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Cornbread or garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments.
  3. Customize to Taste: Customize the casserole by adding your favorite toppings such as sliced black olives, jalapeños, or avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
  4. Family-Friendly Option: For picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions, set out optional toppings and let everyone customize their own portion according to their preferences.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated to your liking.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or a medley of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version of this casserole.
  2. Tex-Mex Flavors: Add a Southwestern twist by incorporating ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies into the ground beef mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
  3. Italian-Inspired: Replace the taco seasoning with Italian seasoning and the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella. Layer the casserole with marinara sauce, sliced pepperoni, and diced bell peppers for an Italian-inspired twist.
  4. Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by using hot taco seasoning, adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture, and topping the casserole with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce before baking.
  5. Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack for a cheesier flavor profile. You can also mix different cheeses together for a unique blend of flavors.
  6. Lighter Option: For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and substitute low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for their full-fat counterparts. Additionally, you can use reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or a blend of part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace the Bisquick or biscuit mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  8. Personalized Toppings: Encourage creativity by setting out a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce, and sliced black olives, allowing each person to customize their portion according to their taste preferences.

FAQs :

  1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
  2. Can I freeze leftovers of the John Wayne Casserole?
    • Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. How do I reheat the frozen casserole?
    • To reheat frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated to your liking.
  4. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
    • Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork sausage if you prefer. Adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly based on your choice of meat.
  5. Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
    • Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free biscuit mix in place of the Bisquick to make this casserole gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including seasonings, are also gluten-free.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
    • Of course! You can adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, and by adding more or less diced jalapeños or green chilies according to your preference.

With its simple preparation and irresistible flavors, our John Wayne Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is bound to impress. Try it tonight and experience the ultimate comfort food delight!