John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole

I'm not sure but, I can't really see John Wayne eating this casserole.  Maybe if it was cooked in a skillet over an open flame on the open range...and crispy hash browns replaced the 'bisquick mix' ...I think maybe he'd add in some more spicy peppers and shredded beef instead of ground beef. Who knows... Dare I even think maybe the original John Wayne casserole involved eggs then what ingredients all this casserole takes on?  In any case, this casserole feeds a lot of hungry mouths!  I do think that the spice mix is decent but, you need to taste as you cook and make sure to adjust taste as you go so that you don't get a casserole that falls flat on flavor... I will admit that I like the 'leftovers' from this too - reheating in a  microwave is a snap and still retains flavor nicely. ~Enjoy! Diane 

John Wayne Casserole

Ingredients: 

1.5 lbs lean ground beef
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes and/or pinch of cayenne (optional)
1/3 cup of water 
*******
3/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, *divided 
1 onion, diced, *divided
*******
2 cups biscuit mix (Bisquick)
1 cup water
2 roma tomatoes, diced

1 sweet bell pepper, diced (any color) 
1 (4 oz) can green chilies (can substitute sliced jalapenos for a spicier kick)


Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, *1/4 of the cheese, and *1/2 of the onion together and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef until no longer pink, then add in seasonings and water and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. In another bowl, mix together biscuit mix and water to make a soft dough. Press dough into the bottom and ½" up the sides of greased 9x13" pan.
   
5. Saute remaining *onions and green peppers until tender.
6. On top of the biscuit; layer the ingredients in this order:  ground beef, diced tomatoes, sweet peppers and onions, green chilies, sour cream mixture, and *remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.

Recipe Adapted from: Food .com
Photos by: Diane Baker for Canning and Cooking at Home