John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the casserole.

Taco seasoning: Adds a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors to the beef.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.

Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the casserole.

Refrigerated biscuit dough: Forms the fluffy and soft base of the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a gooey, cheesy layer.

Sour cream: Combines with mayonnaise to create a creamy topping.

Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the sour cream mixture.

Diced onion: Provides a mild, sweet flavor and a bit of crunch.

Diced bell pepper: Adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish.

Diced jalapeños: Brings a spicy kick to the casserole.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This will help the taco seasoning and other flavors distribute more uniformly throughout the dish. Additionally, when spreading the biscuit dough in the baking dish, press it out to an even thickness to create a consistent base for the casserole. This will help the biscuit layer cook properly and avoid any undercooked spots.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a fresh and customizable seasoning.

• diced tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with diced tomatoes and canned green chilies: Use separate cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies to control the heat level and flavor.

• corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn retains a similar texture and sweetness, and can be used directly from the freezer.

• refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade biscuit dough: Making biscuit dough from scratch allows for fresher ingredients and no preservatives.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and offers a mild, creamy flavor that complements the dish.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein and less fat.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can offer a similar creaminess with fewer calories and a tangier taste.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a subtle depth to the dish.

• diced bell pepper - Substitute with diced poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and rich flavor, adding complexity to the casserole.

• diced jalapeños - Substitute with diced serrano peppers: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter than jalapeños and can provide a similar spicy kick.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the biscuit dough soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• For freezing, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the package with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
• For best results, avoid freezing the sour cream mixture separately as it can change texture. Instead, freeze the entire casserole assembled.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover John Wayne Casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain a crispy texture on the biscuit dough layer.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet, place the casserole portion in, cover with a lid, and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef over medium heat.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the beef mixture and spreading the sour cream mixture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños.

• Baking dish: The base where you spread the biscuit dough and layer the other ingredients.

• Can opener: Essential for opening the cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the sour cream, mayonnaise, and other ingredients accurately.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, this tool is necessary.

• Knife: Used for dicing the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for dicing the vegetables.

• Colander: Used to drain the corn before adding it to the skillet.

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time on busy days.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños from the store to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made dough: Opt for refrigerated biscuit dough to avoid making dough from scratch.

Mix sauces ahead: Combine sour cream and mayonnaise with veggies the night before.

One-pan method: Cook the ground beef and taco seasoning mixture in the same skillet to reduce cleanup.