John Wayne Casserole

55 mins
Serves 6
https://theferventmama.com/john-wayne-casserole/

Directions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. 3Make the crust.
  4. 4In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. 5Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly.
  6. 6Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
  7. 7Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. 8Cook the beef mixture.
  9. 9In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
  10. 10Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
  11. 11Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  12. 12Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  13. 13Remove from heat.
  14. 14Prepare the creamy layer.
  15. 15In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  16. 16Assemble the casserole.
  17. 17Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the crust.
  18. 18Dollop and gently spread the sour cream mixture over the beef.
  19. 19Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  20. 20Arrange tomato slices over the cheese.
  21. 21Bake.
  22. 22Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  23. 23Serve.
  24. 24Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  25. 25Serve warm.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 0.75 cup whole milk
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 can (10 oz) drained diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 small tomato sliced
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dishlarge bowllarge skilletmedium bowl

Tips

  • You can make this casserole ahead of time by assembling it up to the creamy topping layer, covering, and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.
  • To freeze the baked casserole, cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  • You can use different cheeses like Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.
  • If you want to skip the biscuit crust, use cooked pasta, rice, or a tortilla layer instead.
  • The casserole is done when the cheese topping is melted and bubbly, and the biscuit crust is golden and cooked through.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot.
  • To make a Chicken John Wayne Casserole, swap ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and use cream of chicken soup in the creamy topping.
  • For a Vegetarian Version, replace beef with black beans and corn.
  • For a Low-Carb Option, skip the biscuit crust and bake the filling with just the cheese topping.
  • Add corn, black beans, and extra cumin for a Southwest Twist.
  • For a Breakfast Casserole, use cooked breakfast sausage instead of beef and add scrambled eggs.