John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all topped with a flavorful biscuit crust. Named after the famous actor, this casserole is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, drained
• 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Beef:
   • Stir in 1 package of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
4. Add Chiles and Olives:
   • Stir in the drained green chiles and sliced black olives. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Base

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, press the biscuit dough into an even layer to form the crust.
2. Pre-bake the Biscuit Crust:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is slightly set but not fully baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust.
2. Add the Cheese:
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef mixture.
3. Add the Sour Cream:
   • Spread 1/2 cup of sour cream over the cheese layer.
4. Top with Tomatoes and Salsa:
   • Evenly distribute the chopped tomato and 1 cup of salsa over the sour cream layer.
5. Add Remaining Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake:
   • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the biscuit crust is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese: Use a combination of your favorite cheeses if you prefer a different flavor.

Variations

Spicy John Wayne Casserole

• Add diced jalapeños and use a spicy taco seasoning mix for an extra kick.

Vegetarian John Wayne Casserole

• Replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and corn for a vegetarian version.

Breakfast John Wayne Casserole

• Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and add scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast casserole.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What can I serve with John Wayne Casserole? A: This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or a side of refried beans.

Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough? A: Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough can be used instead of refrigerated dough. Just roll it out to fit the baking dish.

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and biscuit crust, it’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this casserole is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with your family and friends!