Description
Hearty John Wayne Casserole blends southwestern spices with creamy textures for a legendary comfort meal. Savory beef, zesty peppers, and melted cheese create a satisfying dish perfect for family dinners when you crave bold, rustic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef, browned, crumbled, and drained
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup jack cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
- 1 (4 ounces) can green chiles
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Baking and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 1/4 cups Bisquick mix or any baking mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for the hearty casserole.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium flame, introducing sliced onions and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and translucent.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned. Carefully drain any accumulated grease.
- Enhance the meat mixture with water, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the seasonings to meld together, simmering until the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify.
- Prepare the base by combining Bisquick mix with water, creating a smooth dough. Gently press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even foundation.
- Create a creamy layer by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and a portion of sharp cheddar cheese until well incorporated. Spread this luxurious mixture across the dough base.
- Distribute the seasoned beef evenly over the creamy layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle jack cheese and remaining sharp cheddar across the meat, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Artfully arrange sliced tomatoes and green chiles over the cheese layer, adding color and additional flavor complexity.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the top becomes golden, cheese melts completely, and the edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro, adding a vibrant touch of herbal freshness before serving.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin for personalized heat intensity.
- Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
- Consider gluten-free Bisquick or almond flour for a celiac-friendly alternative to traditional mix.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg