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Classic John Wayne Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole combining ground beef, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family gatherings and easy to customize.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning Plus water as directed on the packet.
  • 16 ounces large biscuits Canned biscuits for the crust.
  • ½ cup sour cream For creaminess.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise Adds richness to the dish.
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded Divided for layering.
  • 1 medium onion, halved and sliced For flavor.
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced For freshness.
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced Adds sweetness and color.
  • 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers Adjust based on spice preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
  2. Spray a 13x9 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
Baking the Biscuits
  1. Press the canned biscuits into a single layer in the dish, pushing the dough halfway up the sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes until light brown.
  2. Set aside and keep the oven on.
Cooking the Meat
  1. Brown the ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add taco seasoning and required water; stir well and set aside.
Preparing the Creamy Layer
  1. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar, and half of the sliced onion.
Sautéing the Vegetables
  1. In the same pan, sauté remaining onions and red bell peppers until slightly tender.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. Layer the casserole in the following order: biscuit crust, taco meat, tomato slices, sautéed vegetables, jalapeños, sour cream mixture, and top with remaining cheese.
Baking the Casserole
  1. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until edges are brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Great to serve with salsa, tortilla chips, or a side salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.