This hearty and indulgent John Wayne Casserole is a layered masterpiece of flavorful ground beef, fresh veggies, creamy ranch sour cream, and a cheesy topping. With a biscuit base for added comfort, it’s the perfect dish to gather the family around for dinner. Named after the Duke himself, it’s a meal worthy of a cowboy’s appetite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy layering make it a go-to recipe for busy evenings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this casserole is always a hit at potlucks or family dinners.
Customizable: Spice it up with jalapeños or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
1 packet taco seasoning
For the Biscuit Base
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
For the Creamy Ranch Topping
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet ranch dressing mix
For the Toppings
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the flavors meld.
3. Pre-Bake the Biscuit Base
Spread the biscuit dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Pre-bake in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the biscuits begin to puff.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix.
Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer.
5. Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the creamy layer.
For extra spice, add the optional sliced jalapeños on top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the biscuit base is cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy a hearty slice of this comforting classic!
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.
Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Helpful Tips
Biscuit Hack: Ensure the biscuits are evenly spread to prevent undercooking in some areas.
Make It Spicier: Add extra jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the beef mixture.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with black beans or crumbled tofu for a veggie-friendly version.
Meal Prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a perfect choice for leftovers.
Variations
Southwest Style: Add corn, black beans, and a touch of smoked paprika for a southwestern twist.
Low-Carb: Replace the biscuit base with a layer of cauliflower rice or zucchini slices.
Cheese Lovers: Swap in pepper jack or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: ~800mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Why John Wayne Casserole Is a Must-Try
This casserole combines all the elements of comfort food into one dish: a fluffy biscuit base, savory ground beef, creamy ranch topping, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let this John Wayne Casserole bring a bit of cowboy charm to your dinner table! 🥩🧀