Description
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, cheesy easy dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, fresh vegetables, and a golden biscuit base. It is one of those comfort food dinner ideas that works for busy weeknights, family gatherings, and make-ahead meals. If you need quick dinner inspiration, easy recipe ideas, or filling food ideas that everyone will love, this baked casserole delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tomatoes, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is well coated and slightly thickened.
4. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pinching seams together. Bake for 8 minutes to set the base.
5. In a bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese until smooth.
6. Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the prebaked crust.
7. Scatter the diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, and jalapeño evenly over the beef.
8. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top as evenly as possible.
9. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
11. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a short prebake for the biscuit layer so the bottom stays cooked through and sturdy under the toppings.
Drain the beef well before layering so the casserole does not turn greasy.
Let the casserole rest before slicing so the layers hold together better when served.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 812mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Keywords: John Wayne Casserole, easy dinner, casserole recipe, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, baked dinner, weeknight dinner