John Wayne Casserole
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty Tex-Mex bake with taco beef, veggies, jalapeños, and a creamy cheese topping over a biscuit crust.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- 1 1 oz packet taco seasoning, plus water as listed on the package
- 1 16 oz can large biscuits
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced (divided)
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper halved and sliced
- 1 4 oz can sliced jalapeño peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F with the rack in the center. Grease a 13×9 baking dish.
- Place the biscuits in a single layer and press them together, pushing the dough halfway up the sides of the pan. Set the dish on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, checking after 12, until the dough is very lightly browned at the edges. Remove and set aside, leaving the oven on.
- While the biscuits bake, combine the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and water, and cook according to the packet instructions. Transfer to a bowl and set aside, then wipe out the pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar, and half of the onions. Stir well and set aside.
- In the same pan used for the beef, sauté the remaining onions and the bell pepper until slightly tender.
- On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer in this order: taco meat, tomato slices, the pepper and onion mixture, jalapeños, the sour cream mixture, and the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the edges of the dough are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Notes
Avoid dryness: Don't over-bake the biscuit base (pull it around 10 to 12 minutes), and be generous with the sour cream and mayo topping. Some cooks double it for extra moisture.
Base swaps: Use tater tots or thinly sliced potatoes in place of the biscuits.
Tomatoes: A drained can of Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles can replace the fresh tomatoes.
Spice: Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, or hotter taco seasoning for more heat. The jalapeños alone keep it mild.
Mayo swap: Miracle Whip works in place of mayonnaise.
Slow cooker: A crockpot version of this casserole is also an option.