John Wayne Casserole: A Cowboy’s Delight

Here’s a dish that smells like a warm hug and tastes like a cowboy’s dream: John Wayne Casserole. Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece packed with seasoned ground beef, layered with creamy goodness, and topped with golden biscuits that make your heart skip a beat. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an event, an experience, and perhaps even a reason to invite friends over for a nostalgic feast that’ll have everyone reminiscing about simpler times.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood—where the aroma of this casserole wafted through the air on chilly Sunday afternoons. We’d gather around the table, forks in hand, ready to dive into this hearty delight. Whether it was a family gathering or just another random Tuesday when we needed comfort food, John Wayne Casserole always made its way onto our dinner table. So grab your apron because you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that promises laughter, warmth, and absolutely no judgment for second helpings.

Ingredients for john wayne casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: About 1 pound of ground beef provides a rich and hearty base for this casserole.
• Onion: One medium onion adds sweetness and depth; always go for fresh ones!
• Garlic: A couple of cloves minced will give your casserole that aromatic kick.
• Canned Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes brings moisture and tanginess to the mix.
• Biscuits: Store-bought or homemade biscuits will create that delightful topping everyone loves.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture.
• Heavy Cream: A splash of cream makes everything richer; don’t skimp on this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make john wayne casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me—there’s nothing worse than having everything prepped only to realize your oven isn’t ready!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef along with chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat because we want flavor, not grease!

Step 3: Mix It Up

Stir in the canned tomatoes along with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you fancy (maybe some chili powder if you like it spicy!). Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so those flavors can meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab an oven-safe baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Pour heavy cream over it like you’re drizzling love! Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over because cheese makes everything better!

Step 5: Top with Biscuits

Now for the pièce de résistance—take your biscuits out of their packaging (no judgment here if you eat one raw) and arrange them on top of your cheesy goodness. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until those biscuits are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then serve up big portions onto plates like you’re serving royalty! Drizzle any leftover cream sauce on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

And there you have it—the perfect John Wayne Casserole! Whether you’re cozying up on a Friday night or impressing guests at brunch, this dish will stand tall (like its namesake) as the star of your table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef with onions and spices to build flavor. While that simmers, prep your layers of cheese and tortillas. Assemble everything in a baking dish, then pop it in the oven for a cheesy, bubbling masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this casserole! Swap out ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based option. Add black beans for extra protein or layer in some bell peppers for a colorful twist. Get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry but miss that crispy top.

I remember the first time I made John Wayne casserole for my friends. They devoured it in minutes! Their compliments turned my kitchen into a mini-celebration, and I knew I had found a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs:

What is john wayne casserole?

John Wayne casserole is a hearty dish named after the famous actor. This comfort food combines layers of ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese, all baked together with a crust of biscuit dough. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. The blend of flavors and textures makes this casserole a favorite among many, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

How do you make john wayne casserole?

To make john wayne casserole, start by browning ground beef with onions and seasonings. Next, layer this mixture in a baking dish with cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese. Top it off with biscuit dough before baking until golden brown. The entire process takes about an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you still want a delicious homemade meal.

Can I customize john wayne casserole?

Absolutely! You can customize john wayne casserole by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. Additionally, you can swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Experimenting with different types of cheese can also give the dish a unique twist while keeping it delicious and satisfying.

How do you store leftovers of john wayne casserole?

Leftover john wayne casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it before baking; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for john wayne casserole:

In summary, john wayne casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that brings people together over shared flavors. Its easy preparation makes it perfect for busy households while allowing room for creativity with ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet night at home, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and savor the delightful combination of tastes!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

John Wayne Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the warmth of this John Wayne Casserole, a hearty dish filled with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and topped with golden biscuits—perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuits (16 oz)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

For the Filling:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until meat is cooked through and onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. 3. Stir in the canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and any preferred seasonings. Simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
4. 4. Spread the beef mixture evenly in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle heavy cream over it and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

For the Topping:

1. 5. Place the biscuits on top of the cheese layer.
2. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg