Description
Hearty John Wayne Casserole delivers a bold Tex-Mex flavor profile with layers of ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Comfort cuisine blends southwestern spices, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lb (907 g) ground beef
- 1 oz (28 g) taco seasoning package
- ¾ cup (177 ml) water
- 8 oz (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (16.3 oz) (462 g) can refrigerated biscuits
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (1 ½ cups)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4 oz) (113 g) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Biscuit Foundation: Press unrolled biscuit dough evenly across bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a golden-crisp base through 15-20 minutes of baking at 350°F.
- Beef Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet, crumbling thoroughly until fully cooked. Infuse with taco seasoning and simmer, allowing robust flavors to develop and intensify.
- Vegetable Sauté: Caramelize onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
- Creamy Blend: Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the shredded cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that will enhance the casserole’s overall texture.
- Layering Technique: Strategically assemble the casserole by distributing cooked beef over biscuit base, topping with tomato slices, sautéed vegetables, and optional jalapeños for added heat.
- Cheese Finale: Spread creamy mixture across layers, generously sprinkle remaining cheese, then bake covered for 30-40 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
Notes
- Prep Surface Protection: Line baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is completely crumbled and drained to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to stabilize.
- Vegetable Texture Control: Sauté onions and peppers until just tender to maintain slight crunch and prevent mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg