Description
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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain off any excess grease.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layering: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer, followed by the Rotel diced tomatoes.
- Add Creamy Topping: Spoon the sour cream mixture over the tomatoes and gently spread it over the top of the casserole.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the biscuit layer is fully cooked and the casserole is heated through.
- 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
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the casserole before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- 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.
- 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.
