John Wayne Casserole

This hearty John Wayne Casserole is a Tex-Mex delight that brings the spirit of the Wild West to your dinner table.

Packed with layers of savory ground beef, zesty vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Named after the iconic actor, this casserole embodies the rugged, satisfying essence of cowboy cuisine with a modern twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups biscuit baking mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1⁄2 cup onion, diced
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced chilies
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Mix the biscuit baking mix and 1 cup of water in a large bowl. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.

3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, cooking for 3-5 minutes. Spread over the biscuit layer.

4. Top the beef with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

5. Sauté green pepper and onion until translucent. Layer over the tomatoes, followed by canned diced chilies.

6. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of cheese in a bowl. Spread this mixture over the chilies.

7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Possible Substitutes and Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra heat
• Add black beans or corn for additional texture and flavor
• Use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter version
• Incorporate diced jalapeños for those who like it spicier

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of guacamole.

Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Offer tortilla chips on the side for scooping up any loose bits.

Accompany with a cold Mexican beer or a tangy margarita for the full Tex-Mex experience.