Go Back

Classic John Wayne Casserole - A Hearty, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds (80–90% lean)
  • Taco seasoning: 1 packet or 2–3 tablespoons homemade
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Bell peppers: 2 (mix of red and green), diced
  • Jalapeño (optional): 1, seeded and diced
  • Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles: 1 can (10 ounces), drained
  • Bisquick or baking mix: 2 cups
  • Milk: 2/3 cup (for the crust)
  • Eggs: 2 large (for the crust)
  • Sour cream: 1 cup
  • Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
  • Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (or a blend like Colby Jack)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Olive oil or butter: for sautéing
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coat of oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the beef: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Season and add vegetables: Stir in diced onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, add the drained tomatoes with chiles, and simmer 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  4. Make the crust: In a bowl, whisk Bisquick, milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Layer the beef: Spoon the beef and pepper mixture over the crust batter. Don’t press it down—let the crust rise around it as it bakes.
  6. Mix the creamy topping: In a small bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. Spread this mixture gently over the beef layer.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly across the top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the top is bubbly and lightly browned. A toothpick inserted into the crust near the edge should come out clean.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with green onions or cilantro if you like.