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John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole

This hearty John Wayne Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, a tender biscuit crust, and a rich, creamy topping for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Layer
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained 10 ounces
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Layer
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mixed into the creamy topping
Crust and Topping
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed. Add diced tomatoes with chilies and onions. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming a single crust layer.
  5. Spoon the beef mixture over the biscuit crust.
  6. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and one cup of cheddar cheese in a bowl. Spread evenly over the beef layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the biscuit base is cooked through.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For added spice, stir a pinch of cayenne into the beef mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great next-day lunch.