John Wayne Casserole
Hey there! So, you know those recipes that just bring back memories of crowded family dinners? John Wayne Casserole is one of those for me. Picture this: a rowdy Sunday afternoon, the kids are making a racket, and I’m trying to whip up something that everyone will actually eat. This casserole—named after the Duke himself, no less!—is a lifesaver. It’s got all the good stuff: beef, cheese, and a bit of a spicy kick. My kids used to call it ‘Cowboy Pie,’ and honestly, I think that’s a better name.
Why You’ll Love This
I whip this up when we’re all craving something hearty. My family goes bananas for it because it’s like a fiesta in a dish (minus the sombreros). It’s not one of those fancy soufflés that collapses when you look at it wrong; it’s forgiving and versatile. I mean, I’ve burnt the edges a couple of times, and they still gobbled it up. It’s a go-to when you want to impress without too much stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (sometimes I swap for turkey when feeling fancy)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought is fine, but if you’re up for it, homemade is even better!)
- 4 oz canned diced green chiles (I once used fresh peppers—wasn’t quite the same)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works too, but don’t tell my husband)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I know, but trust me!)
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (or a cheese blend if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup biscuit mix (I just use Bisquick, though my grandma swore by homemade)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
Let’s Get Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where I usually take a sip of coffee and mentally prep for the chaos.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat (but save a bit for flavor, because yum!). Stir in the taco seasoning, green chiles, and tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. It should smell amazing right about now.
- In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the cheese. This is where I sneak a taste—quality control!
- In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, and eggs. Pour this into a greased baking dish. It may look a bit runny, but don’t worry; it’s supposed to.
- Layer the beef mixture over the batter, then slather the sour cream mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. If you’re anything like me, this is the hardest part—waiting!
Notes from My Kitchen
One time, I tried using low-fat cheese to be healthy. Let’s just say it didn’t quite melt the way I wanted. Stick to the real stuff if you can.
Variations I’ve Tried
I swapped the beef for chicken once, and the family loved it. But the time I added olives? Nope, learned my lesson there—it was a no-go.
What If You Don’t Have…
No biscuit mix? No worries! Just use a cup of flour with a pinch of baking powder and salt. Easy peasy!
Storing This (If There’s Any Left)
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Although, honestly, it never lasts more than a day in my house!
How We Serve It Up
We usually have it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. My brother insists on a dollop of salsa on the side.
Top Tips (Learned the Hard Way)
Don’t rush the beef browning. I once tried speeding things up and ended up with a soggy mess. Patience, my friend!
FAQs I’ve Heard
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just prep it and pop it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yep, just wrap ’em up tight. They’ll keep for a couple of months. But try to remember they’re in there!
