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Cheesy Tex-Mex John Wayne Casserole

A delightful one-pan casserole combining ground beef, cheese, and delicious Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for gatherings and cozy dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base
  • 16 oz jumbo biscuits
  • 1 lb lean ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • ½ white onion (diced)
Filling Ingredients
  • 10 oz can Rotel (drained) Can substitute with store-bought salsa, drained.
  • 4 oz green chiles (drained)
  • 1 oz packet taco seasoning
  • cup water
Creamy Topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded and divided) 1 cup for the filling, ½ cup for topping.
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Chop the onion and parsley.
  3. Grease a 9x13-inch pan and press the biscuits evenly into it. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the drained Rotel, green chiles, taco seasoning, and ⅓ cup of water to the skillet. Stir until combined, then pour the mixture over the biscuit layer in the pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Spread this mixture over the meat layer in the pan.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then top with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish is great for feeding a crowd. Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings. For leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.