Get ready to dive into a delectable slice of comfort food history with this classic John Wayne Casserole. With its layers of savory beef, spicy jalapeños, and creamy toppings all melded into a golden biscuit crust, this dish is the definition of a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layered Flavor Delight: Each bite offers a new texture and taste, from the spicy beef to the crispy, cheesy top.
Customizable: Easy to adapt for different tastes, this casserole is perfect for families with varied preferences.
Fuss-Free Baking: The recipe comes together with minimal effort and results in maximum satisfaction.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for John Wayne Casserole are straightforward and filled with flavor. Each plays an essential role, whether adding spice, creaminess, or that delightful cheesy finish.

Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for less grease and a rich, meaty base.
Taco Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought, this adds vital Mexican flair.
Biscuits: They create a savory crust that’s buttery and soft.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Combined, they provide a creamy, tangy layer.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheese which ties all the flavors together.
Onions and Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and a crunchy texture.
Tomatoes and Jalapeños: Fresh slices bring brightness and heat to the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This John Wayne Casserole is a breeze to modify to suit any dietary need or flavor preference, ensuring everyone at your table ends up happy.

Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for black beans or roasted vegetables.
Spicier Kick: Add more jalapeños or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Low-Carb: Use a cauliflower crust in place of biscuits.

How to Make John Wayne Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the biscuits in a 13×9 baking dish, making sure to press them into a single layer. They should rise slightly on the sides. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until lightly browned. This forms your hearty base.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat

Prepare your ground beef by browning it in a skillet over medium heat. Add your taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until fully incorporated. Set this flavorful mixture aside once cooked.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

In another bowl, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the shredded cheese with onions. This luscious mix will bring moisture and a creamy tang to the casserole layers.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender. Then layer your casserole: start with the meat, top with peppers and onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream mixture, and finish with cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until gooey and golden.

Pro Tips for Making John Wayne Casserole

Brown the Meat Well: A good sear on the beef adds tremendous flavor to the casserole.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent the edges from drying out.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a creamy texture.
Layer Order: Proper layering ensures you get each ingredient in every bite.

How to Serve John Wayne Casserole

Garnishes

Top your John Wayne Casserole with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can also enhance the experience.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty casserole with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors. Mexican rice or a simple corn salad would also complement its savory profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch at dinner parties. You could also layer it in clear baking dishes to showcase its attractive layers for a more visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover John Wayne Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F until it is warmed through. Microwaving small portions is fine, but it might make the biscuits a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

The dish is named after the famous actor because it was reportedly one of his favorite comfort foods, embodying a sense of hearty Western cooking.
What can I use instead of biscuits?

If you’re looking for an alternative to biscuits, try a cornbread mix or crescent roll dough for a similar texture with a twist.
Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice is flexible. Using jalapeños adds heat, but you can adjust the amount or type of chilies to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This John Wayne Casserole brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to your table—qualities that make every shared meal memorable. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and bring some classic Western coziness to your dining experience!

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 141 reviews

Author: Bertha
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheesy layers topped with a biscuit crust. Perfect for a comfort-food dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy a crowd.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place an oven rack in the center. Spray a 13×9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer in the dish, pressing them into the pan to join and pressing the dough about halfway up the sides. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until very lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside, leaving the oven on.
Cook the taco meat: While the biscuits bake, combine the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and the specified water. Cook according to the packet instructions until fully cooked. Transfer the seasoned beef to a bowl, and wipe the skillet clean.
Prepare the sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced onions. Stir well and set aside.
Sauté remaining vegetables: Sauté the remaining half of the onions and the sliced bell peppers in the skillet until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over the baked biscuit crust. Layer sliced tomatoes over the beef, followed by the sautéed onions and peppers. Scatter the drained jalapeno slices on top. Spread the sour cream mixture over the vegetables, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake the assembled casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the edges of the biscuit crust are lightly browned and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Keep an eye on the biscuits towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
For a spicier version, add more jalapenos or hot sauce to the sour cream mixture.
You can prepare the components beforehand and assemble just before baking for quicker meal prep.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oven temperature is accurate for even baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10 of casserole)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg