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John Wayne Casserole

Comforting John Wayne Casserole: Your New Family Favorite

The John Wayne Casserole is a nostalgic meal that combines seasoned ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a creamy layer under a golden biscuit crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef lean ground turkey can be used for a lighter option
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning homemade seasoning works as a substitution
  • 1 Onion shallots or green onions can be alternatives
  • 1 can Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies) regular canned diced tomatoes with a dash of hot sauce may substitute
  • 1 cup Corn frozen or canned corn can be used in place of fresh
For the Crust and Creamy Layer
  • 2 cups Bisquick any pancake mix or homemade mix of flour, baking powder, and butter can be considered
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese consider substituting with plain cream cheese or omitting for a less creamy texture
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt could be a lighter alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic is a suitable substitute
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Cheese Blend (Mozzarella and Cheddar) any melting cheese can be swapped depending on preference

Equipment

  • large sauté pan
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for John Wayne Casserole
  1. Begin by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon until browned with no pink remaining. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease to keep your John Wayne Casserole from becoming greasy.
  2. Add 1 packet of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water to the sautéed beef. Stir well to coat the meat, then let it simmer for about 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After, incorporate 1 diced onion, 1 can of Rotel, and 1 cup of corn, mixing everything until fully combined and fragrant.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of Bisquick and ¾ cup of water to form a sticky biscuit dough. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil, then evenly spread the dough across the bottom of the dish.
  4. Carefully spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the dough, ensuring an even distribution for balanced flavor in every bite. In a small bowl, blend together 8 ounces of cream cheese, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread this creamy mix gently over the beef layer.
  5. Top your casserole with about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the dish. Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the casserole for 40 minutes.
  6. Once done baking, remove the John Wayne Casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to stabilize for easier serving. After cooling, slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Consider prepping components in advance and storing them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble and bake.

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