Why Make This Recipe
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a simple meal that packs a punch of flavor. This dish combines ground beef, veggies, and cheese, all topped with flaky biscuits, making it a satisfying one-pan meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients:
- Biscuits
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Seasonings (like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven according to biscuit package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and seasonings, cooking for an additional few minutes.
- In a casserole dish, layer the biscuits on the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture over the biscuits.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake in the oven according to the biscuit package instructions or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve John Wayne Casserole
Serve John Wayne Casserole hot from the oven. You can cut it into squares and plate it up for family-style serving. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer hot sauce or salsa on the side for extra flavor.
How to Store John Wayne Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until it is warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make John Wayne Casserole
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to sneak in additional veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use cornbread instead of biscuits: For a fun twist, substitute cornbread for the biscuits to get a different texture and taste.
- Kick up the heat: If you like spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for black beans or lentils. You can also change the cheese to your favorite type or use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Keep it in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you enjoy!
3. Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or turkey instead of regular ground beef, and add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value. Also, use whole grain biscuits for an extra health boost.
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven according to biscuit package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and seasonings, cooking for an additional few minutes.
- In a casserole dish, layer the biscuits on the bottom.
- Pour the beef mixture over the biscuits.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake in the oven according to the biscuit package instructions or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.