Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and fresh vegetables, all topped with a golden biscuit crust. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Imagine serving a warm, satisfying meal that’s ideal for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or a cozy night in. The combination of savory beef, creamy layers, and a crisp biscuit topping will make this dish a favorite in your home.

What is Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole?

John Wayne Casserole is a delicious layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese mixture, and a topping of fresh vegetables, all baked under a layer of fluffy biscuit dough. Named after the legendary actor John Wayne, this dish is known for its hearty and comforting flavors.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Comfort Food: Ideal for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Leftover Friendly: It tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 packet of taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
2/3 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Simmer until the liquid is reduced.
Layer the vegetables: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the diced tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies, diced onion, and bell peppers over the ground beef.
Mix the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Spread this mixture over the vegetable layer.
Prepare the biscuit topping: In another bowl, mix the Bisquick baking mix with milk until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the creamy layer.
Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the biscuit dough.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole

Green Salad: A fresh salad provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Mexican Rice: Complements the Tex-Mex theme.
Refried Beans: Adds extra protein and texture.
Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Guacamole: Offers a creamy, refreshing contrast.
Salsa: Adds a spicy kick.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole

Drain Excess Fat: Ensure ground beef is well-drained to avoid a greasy casserole.
Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best flavor.
Cheese Mix: Blend different cheeses for a richer taste.
Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Biscuit Dough: Make sure the dough is evenly spread for consistent baking.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to set and cool slightly for easier serving.

Variations of Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole

Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with black beans and corn.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the biscuit topping and use cauliflower rice.
Cheesy Explosion: Use a blend of different cheeses like Colby or Pepper Jack.
Chicken Variation: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.

Storing Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole: Best Practices

Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool before storing.
Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Label and Date: Keep track of storage time.
Fridge Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for Later: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Reheating Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole: Best Practices

Thaw Overnight: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Microwave: For quick reheating, use the microwave, though the biscuit topping may not stay as crisp.
Cover While Reheating: Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Check Temperature: Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What Ingredients Can I Replace Or Substitute While Making John Wayne Casserole?

Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different protein option.
Taco Seasoning: Use homemade seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture.
Mayonnaise: Substitute with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: Use any melty cheese like Colby, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Bisquick Baking Mix: Make a homemade mix with 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cold butter, or use any other biscuit mix.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Use plain diced tomatoes and add chopped fresh or canned green chilies separately.
Bell Peppers: Substitute with any color bell peppers or other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Green Chilies: Replace with jalapeños for more heat or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sodium: 950 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g

FAQs

Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

What can I substitute for Bisquick in John Wayne Casserole?

If you don’t have Bisquick, you can substitute it with a homemade mix. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold butter cut into small pieces. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Use this mixture in place of Bisquick for the biscuit topping.

How do I prevent John Wayne Casserole from being too watery?

To prevent John Wayne Casserole from being too watery, make sure to drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies well before adding them to the casserole. Additionally, ensure that the ground beef is well-drained after cooking to remove excess fat and moisture.

What is John Wayne Casserole made of?

John Wayne Casserole is made with a combination of seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced green chilies for a bit of heat. A creamy mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise is blended with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, adding richness and flavor. The dish also includes diced onions and bell peppers, which provide freshness and crunch. Everything is topped with a biscuit layer made from Bisquick baking mix and milk, creating a golden, fluffy crust. These ingredients are layered and baked together to create a hearty, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together rich flavors and easy preparation. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the savory, cheesy, and satisfying goodness of this classic casserole!

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