John Wayn’es Favorite Casserole

A great casserole that is hearty, savory and loaded with vegetables is what meal John Wayne loved to eat. This dish is actually pretty simple to make, although it does seem like it would take a long time, it really will not.

A beginning cook could make this casserole to surprise his or her family at dinnertime.

Filled with ground beef, vegetables, jalapeno peppers, and a blend of cheese, this dish is sure to please and satisfy.

The flavor combination is pleasing to the senses and there is just the slight bite due to the jalapeno peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I leave out the jalapeno peppers?

You sure can! Many people are unable to handle the bite given by the peppers, you could cut the amount in half or eliminate altogether.

            Can I substitute the meat?

I have made this with ground sausage and it tastes fabulous. I am sure that other types of meat will taste just as good.

            How long will this dish last in the refrigerator?

If you mean how long will the leftovers last, as long as they are covered tightly, you can keep the casserole for up to 3 or 4 days.

            Can I make this in advance?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Before baking, cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Then when ready, bake it within 24 hours.

What do you need to make John Wayne’s Favorite Casserole

            2 pounds ground beef, crumbled and browned

            1 pkg Taco Seasoning mix

            ¾ cup water

            ½ cup Sour Cream, full fat

            ½ cup mayonnaise

            1 large yellow onion, peeled, diced and divided

            1 cup Cheddar Cheese

            1 cup water

            2 cups Bisquick Baking mix

            1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

            2 Roma Tomatoes, diced

            4 oz can diced green chilis, drained

How to make John Wayn’es Favorite Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 325*

Grease a 9×13 baking pan

Brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat from the skillet

Stir in the Taco seasoning with ¾ cup water. Stir to combine

Simmer for 4 minutes

Stir together, in a bowl,  the Sour Cream, mayonnaise, ½ of the Cheddar Cheese and ½ of the diced onion

a)

b)

SECOND STEP:

In another bowl combine the Bisquick mix, and one cup of water, stir to combine

Press the dough into the baking dish, up one half inch on all sides

Add the  bell pepper  and onion to the skillet to saute

When the beef is done, layer the beef, tomatoes, green pepper and onion, along with the green chilies on top of the dough in the baking dish

Top the meat and vegetables with the Sour Cream mixture

Sprinkle the top with the remaining Cheddar Cheese

THIRD STEP:

Bake at 325* for 35 to 40 minutes

Set aside to cool slightly before serving

Serve with Sour Cream and Salsa

Enjoy!

YUM!