Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or crescent rolls)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pickled jalapeño slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish, flattening it evenly to form a crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Drain excess grease, then mix in the Rotel tomatoes and diced jalapeños.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooked beef layer in the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit crust.
- Add the creamy sour cream and mayo mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top with pickled jalapeños and a pinch of black pepper and paprika for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
What to Serve with John Wayne Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs well with:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Cornbread or Garlic Bread
- Coleslaw or Green Salad
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole
- Pickled Jalapeños for extra heat