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John Wayne Casserole

Irresistibly Comforting John Wayne Casserole Recipe

The John Wayne Casserole is a delicious comfort food classic, combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitution: Turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Note: Use homemade seasoning for lower sodium content.
  • 1 medium Onion Note: Can substitute with shallots or omit if desired.
  • 1 can Rotel Tomatoes Note: Regular diced tomatoes with hot sauce can replace Rotel.
  • 1 cup Corn Note: Fresh or frozen corn can be used instead of canned.
For the Base/Crust
  • 2 cups Bisquick Substitution: Any pancake mix or homemade mix of flour and baking powder.
For the Creamy Topping
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Substitution: Plain cream cheese or omit for less creaminess.
  • ½ cup Mayo Substitution: Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • 2 cups Cheese Blend (Mozzarella and Cheddar) Tip: Mix other cheeses as preferred for variety.

Equipment

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

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large sauté pan, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Stir occasionally until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
  2. Once the meat is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in ¼ cup of water. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer for about 4 minutes over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onions, Rotel tomatoes, and corn to the seasoned meat. Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions become tender.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Bisquick with 1 cup of water and stir until you achieve a sticky dough. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then spread the Bisquick dough evenly across the bottom.
  5. Carefully spoon the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture over the Bisquick base, spreading it out evenly.
  6. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayo, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the beef layer with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle the cheese blend evenly over the creamy topping, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place the baking dish inside. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is visibly bubbly and golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes once out of the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This casserole can be prepared in advance and kept unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.

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