Description
Get ready to dive into comfort heaven with this iconic John Wayne Casserole! Loaded with savory ground beef, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese layers, topped with a ranchy sour cream blend, this dish is a dinner winner that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- For the Base:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and brown it over medium heat. Once it’s browned, add in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pre-bake the biscuits in the oven for 5 minutes until they are slightly puffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Once the biscuit base is ready, layer the cooked beef mixture over the partially baked biscuit crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Stir well until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Jalapeños
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the creamy layer. If you enjoy a little spice, add sliced jalapeños from the 4-ounce can as an optional topping.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s done, allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 520 calories.
Optional Ingredients
Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other vegetables or additional spices according to your preference.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes