John Wayne Casserole

This John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and layers of melty cheese, all topped with a creamy ranch sour cream mixture. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, combining bold flavors and simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
  • 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, for extra spice)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the taco seasoning and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Crust

In the prepared baking dish, spread the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly across the bottom. Pre-bake the biscuits for 5 minutes in the preheated oven, just until they start to puff but are not fully cooked.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust.

Step 5: Make the Sour Cream Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Stir until well blended, then spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer in the casserole dish.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Jalapeños

Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, spreading them evenly across the top. If you want to add some spice, sprinkle the optional sliced jalapeños over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the biscuit base is cooked through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy dish with your family!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or guacamole for a Tex-Mex inspired side.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 21g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success:

  • Spice it up: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
  • Vegetable variation: Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or corn for more texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

This John Wayne Casserole is a fantastic option for a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines savory ingredients with a creamy ranch topping and cheesy goodness. Perfect for feeding the whole family!

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