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#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
3. **Season the Beef**: Add the taco seasoning mix to the cooked beef along with a small amount of water (as directed on the seasoning packet). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
4. **Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough**: Unroll the crescent roll dough and line the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish with the dough, pressing the seams together so it forms one solid layer. You can also use biscuit dough for a thicker crust.
5. **Assemble the Casserole**: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Next, spread a layer of sour cream on top of the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sour cream.
6. **Bake the Casserole**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about **25-30 minutes** or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. **Garnish and Serve**: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or any additional toppings you desire. Serve warm and enjoy!
### Tips for the Perfect John Wayne Casserole
– **Customize the Heat**: If you like a little spice, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a spicier taco seasoning.
– **Make It a Meal**: To bulk up the casserole and make it more of a one-pot meal, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or corn to the filling.
– **Use Different Cheeses**: Feel free to mix up the cheeses based on what you like best. Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick, while mozzarella makes it extra gooey.
– **Add Extra Toppings**: Once baked, you can top your casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor.
### Why John Wayne Casserole is a Must-Try Dish
John Wayne Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting ingredients that come together beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner. The mix of seasoned beef, creamy layers, and cheesy goodness is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
This casserole truly lives up to its name—just like the legendary actor it’s named after, it’s strong, flavorful, and unforgettable. So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that will feed a crowd, look no further than this iconic John Wayne Casserole.
**Ready to give it a try?** We promise you won’t be disappointed!
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