John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines ground beef, cheese, and a rich blend of Tex-Mex flavors. Named after the legendary actor, this casserole is a great family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It layers seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy biscuit base to create a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan, easy-to-make meal with simple ingredients.
- The Tex-Mex flavors are bold and satisfying.
- Great for leftovers—this casserole tastes even better the next day.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd at family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Bisquick mix
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Onions
- Taco seasoning
- Eggs
Directions
- Prepare the base: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Add the taco seasoning, diced onions, and bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Mix the biscuit layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the Bisquick, water, and eggs until a dough forms. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased casserole dish to form the base.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the biscuit layer. Then, layer the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the cheese on top. Add a layer of diced tomatoes and jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the biscuit base is cooked through.
- Add final touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Meat options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with black beans or lentils to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Cheese varieties: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Extra spice: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like things spicy.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of guacamole to enhance the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
What is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole is a baked dish made with layers of seasoned beef, vegetables, a biscuit base, and a cheesy topping. It’s inspired by flavors from the Southwest and named after the iconic actor.
Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake it as directed.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat, you can include extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier cheese like pepper jack.
Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.
What can I serve with John Wayne Casserole?
Serve it with a fresh green salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Is John Wayne Casserole gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses Bisquick, which contains gluten. You can use a gluten-free biscuit mix to make the casserole gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend.
Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
How can I tell when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the biscuit base is cooked through and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the biscuit layer should come out clean.
Conclusion
John Wayne Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or a large group. With its Tex-Mex flavors and easy-to-follow preparation, this casserole will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh or as leftovers—it’s bound to be a hit!
Print
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Description
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a true comfort dish named after the famous actor, John Wayne. Packed with seasoned ground beef, a variety of colorful veggies, creamy cheese, and a biscuit base, it’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The combination of Southwestern flavors makes this casserole a favorite among those who love bold and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated biscuits
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the ground beef, stirring until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and green chilies. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Layer the biscuits on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering as much of the surface as possible. Lightly press them down to flatten.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, salt, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add jalapeños, black olives, or even corn to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the biscuit dough with a crescent roll sheet for a flakier texture.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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