Description
Hearty southwestern John Wayne Casserole delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate with zesty Mexican-inspired ingredients. Meaty, cheesy layers promise a satisfying meal that brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
Base and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
Dairy and Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking atmosphere for the casserole.
- Transform ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking until no pink remains. Infuse the meat with robust taco seasoning and introduce diced tomatoes and green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Craft a luxurious foundation in a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel by spreading a velvety layer of ranch dressing, which will ensure a moisture-rich and creamy base.
- Orchestrate the casserole’s layers: first, distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the ranch-coated surface. Next, lavish a generous coating of sour cream, followed by a cascade of shredded cheddar cheese. Crown the creation with either crumbled biscuit fragments or crushed corn chips to add textural intrigue.
- Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the cheese melts into a tantalizing, bubbling landscape.
- After removing from the oven, permit the casserole a brief resting period. Slice and serve, accompanied by optional garnishes like vibrant green onions, fiery jalapenos, or an additional dollop of cool sour cream to elevate the dining experience.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the type of taco seasoning or adding extra green chilies for spice lovers.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Consider preparing the beef mixture in advance to reduce overall cooking time and make meal prep more convenient during busy weeknights.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of biscuits for a gluten-free version that adds an extra crispy texture and traditional Tex-Mex crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg