Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to elevate your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than our mouthwatering John Wayne Casserole recipe! Bursting with savory ground beef, colorful veggies, gooey cheese, and a creamy ranch sour cream topping, this casserole is bound to win the hearts (and stomachs) of your entire family. Follow along as we guide you through the simple steps to create this irresistible culinary masterpiece!
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 shredded 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 cups water, divided
Directions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease for a healthier dish.
Add Veggies and Seasonings: To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add diced onion, bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Stir in 1/2 cup of water to create a flavorful blend. Allow the mixture to simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Prepare the Creamy Ranch Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and dry Ranch seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, mix together the Bisquick and 3/4 cup of water until a soft dough forms. Press the dough gently into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 5 minutes until set.
Layer the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer in the baking pan. Next, layer on the Rotel diced tomatoes, followed by spoonfuls of the creamy Ranch topping. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the casserole for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit layer is golden brown and fully cooked, and the casserole is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the John Wayne Casserole from the oven and serve hot. Watch as your family digs into layers of comforting flavors and textures, savoring every delicious bite!
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the casserole for a burst of color and flavor.
Pair with Sides: Serve your John Wayne Casserole alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Customize with Toppings: Allow your guests to customize their servings by setting out a variety of toppings such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños.
Family Style Presentation: Bring the baking dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves for a cozy and communal dining experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to prevent the biscuit layer from drying out during reheating.
Refreshing Leftovers: If the casserole seems dry upon reheating, add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing to revive its creamy texture and flavors.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein or dietary restrictions call for it, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just ensure that your chosen protein is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole.
I don’t have Bisquick. What can I use as a substitute?
If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can make a simple homemade biscuit mix using basic pantry ingredients. Mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of cold butter or shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add 3/4 cup of milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the casserole may need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s chilled.
Is this casserole spicy?
The level of spiciness in the John Wayne Casserole can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The taco seasoning and Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies add a bit of heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild taco seasoning or omit the diced tomatoes with green chilies altogether. Conversely, if you love heat, you can opt for hot taco seasoning or add additional diced jalapeños to the layers.
With just a few simple steps, you can whip up our irresistible John Wayne Casserole and treat your loved ones to a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this hearty dish is sure to steal the spotlight. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the savory goodness of our beloved casserole recipe today!
📖 Recipe:
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John Wayne Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of our John Wayne Casserole recipe! This comforting dish features layers of flavorful ground beef, veggies, cheese, and a creamy ranch sour cream topping, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
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 shredded 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 cups water, divided
Instructions
-
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and taco seasoning to the beef, stir in water, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, and Ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Mix Bisquick with water to form dough, press into the baking pan, and bake for 5 minutes.
- Spread cooked beef mixture over the biscuit layer, then layer with drained Rotel tomatoes and dollops of the creamy Ranch topping.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Notes
Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños or black olives for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6-8
