Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Recipe is a cheesy and hearty recipe, which is made with taco-seasoned ground beef and canned biscuits. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
• Water, as called for on taco seasoning packet
• 1 (16 oz) can large refrigerated biscuits
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 onion, sliced and divided
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (4 oz) can sliced jalapeños, drained

How To Make Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Recipe

1. Prep Oven and Bake Biscuit Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Open the can of biscuits, separate them, and press them firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared dish to form a solid crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
2. Cook the Beef: While the biscuit base bakes, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced onions.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In a separate skillet, you can briefly sauté the sliced red bell pepper and the remaining half of the onions for a few minutes to soften them, or you can use them raw for a crunchier texture.
5. Layer the Casserole: Once the biscuit base is baked, layer the ingredients. Start with the cooked taco meat, spread it over the biscuit crust. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the meat. Top with the sautéed peppers and onions, then the drained jalapeños.
6. Add Topping and Bake: Spread the creamy sour cream mixture evenly over the top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with the remaining half of the cheddar cheese.
7. Bake and Rest: Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get a sturdy biscuit crust? Make sure to press the biscuit dough firmly and evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides of the dish. This creates a solid base that won’t get soggy and will hold the layers together for a cleaner slice.
• Why do I need to let the casserole rest? Letting the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into it is crucial. This allows the layers and the creamy topping to set, so you can get a clean, beautiful slice instead of a sloppy pile.
• Can I control the spice level? Yes, easily. The heat comes from the taco seasoning and the jalapeños. Use a mild taco seasoning and omit or reduce the number of jalapeños for a less spicy dish. For more heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. This casserole is also delicious with ground turkey or even shredded chicken.

What To Serve With John Wayne Casserole

This is a very hearty, all-in-one meal. It’s great served with:

• A dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Cornbread

How To Store John Wayne Casserole

Refrigerate: Cover the cooled casserole tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the biscuit crust and the creamy topping can change significantly upon thawing.

John Wayne Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 272 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sodium: 680mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

55

minutes

Calories

272

kcal

A classic Tex-Mex comfort casserole layering a biscuit crust with taco-seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy, cheesy topping.

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef

• 1 oz taco seasoning + water per package directions

• 1 (16 oz) can large refrigerated biscuits

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

• 1 onion, sliced and divided

• 2 tomatoes, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 (4 oz) can sliced jalapeños, drained

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Press biscuits into the bottom of a greased 9×13 dish and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, brown the beef, drain, and prepare with taco seasoning and water.
• In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, half the cheddar, and half the onions.
• Layer over the baked biscuit crust: taco meat, sliced tomatoes, peppers and remaining onions, and jalapeños.
• Spread the creamy mixture over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Sturdy Base: Press the biscuit dough firmly and evenly to create a solid crust that holds up to the toppings.
• Rest is Best: Letting the casserole sit before slicing is key to getting clean, well-defined servings.
• Customize Spice: Easily adjust the heat by using more or fewer jalapeños or adding your favorite hot sauce.
• Protein Swap: Try this recipe with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a delicious variation.