Main Casserole Base

This forms the hearty foundation of your casserole, providing rich protein and vibrant vegetables.

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  1 lb ground beef: For a robust and savory core. Choose lean beef for less fat.
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  ½ white onion, diced: Adds essential aromatic depth and sweetness when cooked.
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  1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning: Provides that signature Tex-Mex flavor profile that makes this dish so appealing.
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  ¼ cup water: Helps activate and distribute the taco seasoning throughout the beef.
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  1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (10 oz): A fantastic shortcut for adding diced tomatoes with a zesty kick of green chiles.
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  1 can corn, drained (15 oz): Offers a burst of sweetness and pleasant texture that complements the savory beef.
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  1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers that classic, bold, and tangy cheesy flavor.
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  1 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy, stretchy texture and milder flavor.

Bisquick Mixture (The Crust)

This simple two-ingredient blend forms a tender, biscuit-like crust at the bottom of your casserole, providing a delightful textural contrast.

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  2 cups Bisquick: The ultimate shortcut for a fluffy and easy baking mix crust.
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  1 cup water: To create the ideal batter consistency for your Bisquick base.

Creamy Mixture (The Tangy Topping)

This layer introduces a rich, tangy, and incredibly creamy element that truly elevates this casserole, making it distinctly delicious.

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  ¼ cup mayonnaise: Contributes to the lush creamy texture and adds a subtle richness.
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  7.5 oz chive and onion cream cheese: A flavorful shortcut that infuses the creamy layer with savory herbs and a mild onion note.
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  ⅛ tsp pepper: A dash of seasoning to subtly enhance the overall flavor profile.
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  ⅛ tsp garlic powder: Adds a mild, savory garlic depth to the creamy mixture.

Toppings (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

Elevate your casserole with these fresh and flavorful garnishes, adding extra bursts of taste and vibrant color just before serving.

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  Chopped cherry tomatoes: For a fresh, juicy tang and a pop of color.
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  Sour cream: A cool, creamy dollop to balance the richness of the casserole.
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  More cheese: Because an extra sprinkle of cheese is always a good idea!
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  Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous notes for a vibrant and aromatic finish.

1. Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 325℉ (160°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust from the very start.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture. In a large, sturdy skillet, combine the ground beef and the diced white onion. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, using a spoon to break up the beef as it browns, until it is thoroughly cooked through and no pink remains. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavor of the casserole. Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily. Next, stir in the taco seasoning and the ¼ cup of water. Allow this savory mixture to simmer gently for about 3 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the seasoning to fully infuse the meat. Finally, add the entire can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (including the liquid for extra flavor!) and the drained can of corn. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and distributed throughout the beef mixture.

3. Step 3: Make the Bisquick Crust. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and the 1 cup of water. Stir these two ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and form a smooth, thick batter. This mixture will serve as the soft and flavorful biscuit-like base of your casserole. Once mixed, set it aside temporarily.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Topping. In another small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, the chive and onion cream cheese, ⅛ tsp of pepper, and ⅛ tsp of garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. The chive and onion cream cheese is a star here, adding a wonderful savory depth and tangy creaminess to this layer. Set this aside until assembly.

5. Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Carefully spread the prepared Bisquick mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan to form your delicious crust. Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture over the Bisquick layer, spreading it out to create an even layer. Then, evenly dollop and gently spread the creamy mayonnaise and cream cheese mixture over the ground beef. Finally, sprinkle generously with both the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese, ensuring full coverage for that irresistible golden, bubbly top. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges, heated through, and the cheese is beautifully golden brown and melted. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a crucial 10 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set properly, making for cleaner slices when serving. Garnish with any of your favorite optional toppings, such as fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, and serve hot. Enjoy this incredibly hearty and satisfying meal!

Nutrition Information

Below is an approximation of the nutritional content per serving for this John Wayne Casserole. Please be aware that these values are automatically calculated and can fluctuate based on specific brands, ingredient variations, and preparation methods.