Discover the ultimate comfort food with our John Wayne Casserole recipe. This easy-to-make ground beef casserole features a savory biscuit base topped with a flavorful combination of diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy chive cream cheese, and a cheesy topping, all baked to perfection.
Tips for the Best Casserole
In creating the perfect John Wayne Casserole, it’s essential to pay attention to a few key tips to ensure a delicious outcome. From selecting quality ingredients to mastering the baking process, these tips will elevate your casserole game.
Select Lean Ground Beef
When making John Wayne Casserole, opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and ensure a healthier dish. Lean ground beef also provides excellent flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Drain Excess Grease
After cooking the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease from the pan. This step helps prevent the casserole from becoming too oily and ensures a better texture overall.
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. From diced onions to canned corn, using fresh ingredients enhances the taste and quality of the casserole.
Customize the Seasoning
While the recipe calls for taco seasoning, feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Add extra spices or herbs for a unique flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
Layer Ingredients Evenly
When assembling the casserole, be sure to layer the ingredients evenly for a well-balanced dish. Distribute the ground beef, biscuit dough, and cream cheese mixture evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
How Did This Dish Get Its Name?
The origins of the John Wayne Casserole’s name are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Some say it was inspired by the famous actor’s love for hearty, comforting meals, while others claim it was named after a popular restaurant or diner frequented by the Hollywood star. Regardless of its origins, one thing is for sure: this casserole is a beloved dish that pays homage to the rugged charm of John Wayne himself.
John Wayne Casserole Toppings
The toppings play a crucial role in adding flavor and texture to the John Wayne Casserole. From creamy chive cream cheese to gooey melted cheese, each topping enhances the overall taste experience.
Ingredients you will need:
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed for the John Wayne Casserole and why each one is essential for creating this delicious dish
- Lean Ground Beef: The main protein source of the casserole, lean ground beef provides hearty flavor and texture without excess grease. It’s a staple ingredient that forms the base of the dish.
- Water: Used to simmer the ground beef with taco seasoning, water helps to evenly distribute the seasoning and infuse the meat with flavor. It also creates a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices and herbs, taco seasoning adds depth and complexity to the ground beef, giving it that signature Tex-Mex flavor. It’s essential for creating the bold and zesty taste of the casserole.
- Diced Yellow Onion: Onion adds aromatic flavor to the casserole and complements the other ingredients. When cooked, it becomes tender and sweet, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, Drained: This canned ingredient adds a burst of flavor and a hint of heat to the casserole. The combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies provides a tangy and spicy kick that elevates the dish.
- Canned Corn, Drained: Sweet and crunchy, canned corn adds a pop of color and texture to the casserole. It’s a versatile ingredient that pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.
- Bisquick Mix: The key ingredient for the biscuit layer of the casserole, Bisquick mix creates a fluffy and tender base that holds everything together. It’s easy to work with and ensures a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Whipped Chive Cream Cheese: Creamy and tangy, whipped chive cream cheese adds richness and depth to the casserole. It’s spread over the ground beef mixture, infusing each bite with creamy goodness.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise helps to bind the cream cheese mixture together and adds a subtle richness to the topping. It contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: A seasoning made from dried onions, onion powder enhances the flavor of the cream cheese topping and adds a savory note to the casserole. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds depth to many dishes.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the other ingredients, salt balances the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes and brings out the savory notes of the beef and cheese.
- Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese Blend: This cheesy topping adds gooey, melty goodness to the casserole. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy layer that’s irresistible.
- Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the delicious flavors and textures of the John Wayne Casserole. Together, they come together to form a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to make John Wayne Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to crumble the ground beef as it cooks, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the ground beef is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This helps reduce the overall oiliness of the casserole.
- Add Water and Taco Seasoning: Return the drained ground beef to the sauté pan. Add 1 cup of water and 1 ounce of taco seasoning to the pan. Stir well to combine, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Beef Mixture: Allow the beef mixture to simmer over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously seasoned base for the casserole.
- Add Onions, Rotel, and Corn: Next, add 1 cup of diced yellow onion, one 20-ounce can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained), and one 12-ounce can of corn (drained) to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Prepare the Biscuit Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of Bisquick mix with 1 cup of water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread the Bisquick dough evenly on the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the ground beef mixture on top of the dough, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In another mixing bowl, combine 7.5 ounces of whipped chive cream cheese, 1/2 cup of mayo, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth.
- Spread the Topping: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the ground beef layer in the baking dish, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the John Wayne Casserole!
- This simple step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Variation Ideas:
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor combinations.
Can Casserole be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the John Wayne Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Can you Freeze Casserole?
Yes, the John Wayne Casserole can be frozen for later enjoyment. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 325F until heated through.
How to Store Leftovers:
Store any leftover John Wayne Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this hearty casserole for days to come.
John Wayne Casserole
Course: Casseroles6
servings30
minutes40
minutesDiscover the ultimate comfort food with our John Wayne Casserole recipe. This easy-to-make ground beef casserole features a savory biscuit base topped with a flavorful combination of diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup water
1 oz taco seasoning
1 cup diced yellow onion
20 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
12 oz canned corn, drained
- Biscuit Layer:
3 cups Bisquick mix
1 cup water
- Topping:
7.5 oz Philadelphia whipped chive cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until fully browned.
- Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add water and taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef, stirring well. Let it simmer for about 4 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Mix in diced onions, drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, and drained corn. Reduce the heat to low and stir until combined.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Bisquick mix and water, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the dough evenly on the bottom.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish.
- In another mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, and salt using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the ground beef layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend on top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your delicious taco casserole!
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