John Wayne Casserole with Biscuit Crust – A Hearty Western-Inspired Feast
Introduction:
The John Wayne Casserole with a biscuit crust is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that pays homage to the iconic Western film star himself. Packed with savory flavors and a delicious biscuit topping, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to any gathering. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re in the mood for a wholesome, Western-inspired feast.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (16 ounces) baked beans
- 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (16 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (16 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Casserole Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until they become tender.
- Stir in the baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Add the barbecue sauce and chili powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish:
- Transfer the casserole filling to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Prepare the Biscuit Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add Biscuit Topping:
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the casserole filling. You don’t need to cover the entire surface; leaving gaps is fine.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop out portions and serve with a generous helping of the flavorful casserole filling.
Cook’s Notes:
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, olives, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Make It Vegetarian: If you prefer a meatless version, you can skip the ground beef and opt for plant-based alternatives or extra beans.
The John Wayne Casserole with a biscuit crust is a filling and delicious meal that captures the essence of the Wild West. Its combination of savory flavors and hearty biscuit topping makes it a standout dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
