Description
Hearty John Wayne casserole delivers a robust Tex-Mex flavor profile packed with ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this classic southwestern dish that satisfies hungry families with its delicious layered ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1.5 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuits or homemade biscuit dough
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Gently press biscuit dough into a greased 9×13-inch dish, creating a uniform base layer. Briefly bake for 5-7 minutes until pale golden.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become tender.
- Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the shredded cheddar cheese in a separate mixing bowl, creating a creamy sauce.
- Distribute the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the partially baked biscuit foundation.
- Spread the prepared sour cream mixture over the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and optional green chilies across the top for added texture and zest.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and cheese transforms into a golden, melted blanket.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions immediately before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the casserole’s hearty flavor profile.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and draining beef thoroughly to minimize excess fat and salt content.
- Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal prep.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning, adjusting green chili quantities, or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg