Description
Hearty john wayne casserole blends southwestern flavors with comforting textures. Layers of beef, peppers, and cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can biscuits
Vegetables:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy food release and even cooking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers, incorporating taco seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor. Drain any accumulated fat to prevent a greasy texture.
- Arrange canned biscuits across the bottom of the prepared dish, gently pressing them to create a uniform base that will absorb the casserole’s moisture.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the biscuit foundation, creating a consistent meat layer.
- Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and mixed shredded cheeses in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture carefully over the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes with green chilies across the surface for added zest and moisture.
- Generously top with additional shredded cheddar cheese to create a golden, melted cheese crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until cheese turns golden, bubbly, and biscuit base is thoroughly cooked.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise to create a lighter version of this hearty casserole without sacrificing flavor.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into the beef mixture for extra vegetables and added nutrients.
- Gluten-free bakers can substitute canned biscuits with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower crust to make this dish more accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg