Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole is made with refrigerated biscuit dough, ground beef, taco seasoning mix, red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, and optional jalapeño peppers. This hearty Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole recipe creates a satisfying dinner that takes about 70 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (16.3 ounces) can of refrigerated biscuits
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package of taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4 ounces) jar of sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (Optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Form the base: Unroll the biscuit dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Keep the oven on.
- Cook the beef: While the biscuits bake, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Add flavors: Stir in the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix creamy layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half the shredded cheese, and half the sautéed onion and pepper mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked beef over the baked biscuit base, followed by the tomato slices, remaining onion and pepper mixture, and jalapeño peppers if using. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Recipe Tips
- Experiment with Ground Meats: Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef to explore different flavors and potentially lower the fat content.
- Opt for Low-Carb Options: Replace the biscuit dough with a layer of thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a healthier, lower-carb version.
- Cheese Varieties: Mix in some pepper jack or smoked gouda with the cheddar cheese for an extra kick or a deeper flavor profile.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or spinach to the onion and pepper mix for added nutrients and a fuller flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: If you’re using jalapeño peppers, adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level, or substitute with milder green chiles.
What To Serve John Wayne Casserole
Serve your John Wayne Casserole with roasted Brussels sprouts, a crisp apple-celery salad, garlic-roasted carrots, creamy polenta, and steamed green beans.
You can also pair it with a fresh arugula and pear salad or baked sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
How To Store Leftovers John Wayne Casserole
Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This keeps the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freeze: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
How To Reheat Leftovers John Wayne Casserole
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
In The Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a serving of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
In The Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 300 degrees F and place a portion of the casserole in the basket. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until completely warmed through, for a slightly crisp top layer.
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 329
- Total Fat 14 g
- Calories 510.3
- Total Fat 35.1 g
- Saturated Fat 13.4 g
- Cholesterol 82 mg
- Sodium 616.1 mg
- Potassium 424.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 28.4 g
- Dietary Fiber 1.3 g
- Sugars 3.5 g
- Protein 20.9 g
- Vitamin A 16.9%
- Vitamin C 54.2%
- Calcium 23.6%
- Iron 9.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Prepare John Wayne Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and cover it tightly with foil. You can refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives to beef in this casserole. They will lighten the dish while still providing ample flavor. Make sure to cook them thoroughly before layering in the casserole.
How Do I Keep the Casserole From Getting Soggy?
To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, make sure the biscuit base is fully baked and golden before adding the toppings. Drain all cooked vegetables and meats well to remove excess moisture before layering.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken And Dressing Casserole
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
Description
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole is made with refrigerated biscuit dough, ground beef, taco seasoning mix, red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, and optional jalapeño peppers. This hearty Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole recipe creates a satisfying dinner that takes about 70 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Form the base: Unroll the biscuit dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Keep the oven on.
- Cook the beef: While the biscuits bake, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Add flavors: Stir in the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix creamy layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half the shredded cheese, and half the sautéed onion and pepper mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked beef over the baked biscuit base, followed by the tomato slices, remaining onion and pepper mixture, and jalapeño peppers if using. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.