For older readers who remember gathering around the television for Westerns, this dish brings a touch of that spirit into the modern kitchen. It may not come from the Old West, but it carries that same rugged personality in every layer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and if you’ve cooked with ground beef, canned tomatoes, or biscuit dough, you’re already halfway there.
Here’s the lineup:
Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional, but adds wonderful flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Layer
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed into the creamy topping)
Crust and Topping
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking John Wayne Casserole doesn’t require advanced kitchen skills. If you can brown ground beef, stir a few things together, and pop a dish into the oven, you’re set. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Place a skillet over medium heat to get things warmed up.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Layer
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain away excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Then add the canned tomatoes with green chilies and onions if you’re using them. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper.
