John Wayne Casserole Recipe
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with ease. Layers of biscuit crust, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese make this a family favorite.
This cheesy beef and biscuit bake is named after the legendary actor and delivers the same big personality in flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd or serving up leftovers later.
Key Ingredients for John Wayne Casserole
- Ground beef – The savory base that adds rich, meaty flavor and hearty protein.
- Taco seasoning – Infuses the beef with bold, zesty spices for that classic Tex-Mex kick.
- Large biscuits – Form the soft, pillowy crust that holds all the tasty layers together.
- Sour cream – Adds cool creaminess that balances the spice and richness.
- Mayonnaise – Enhances the creamy layer, bringing tang and smooth texture.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts into bubbly, golden perfection while giving sharp, cheesy depth.
- Onion – Brings sweetness and savory flavor that builds depth in each bite.
- Tomatoes – Add juicy freshness and a pop of color to brighten the casserole.
- Red bell pepper – Provides crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy elements.
- Jalapeño peppers – Offer a mild heat and tangy kick for extra flavor layers.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole: A Quick Look
Start by baking the biscuit crust until just golden and light. While it bakes, brown the ground beef, season it well, and prepare the creamy sour cream and mayo mixture with onions and cheese. Sauté peppers and onions to soften them up.
Layer the crust with seasoned taco beef, fresh tomato slices, sautéed peppers and onions, sliced jalapeños, and the creamy cheese mixture. Top generously with more shredded cheddar. Bake uncovered until bubbly, melty, and irresistibly golden on top.
Tasty Tips & Twists for the Best Casserole
Add extra flavor by using homemade taco seasoning or mixing in fire-roasted chiles for smokiness. For more heat, sprinkle in extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up a bit without sacrificing flavor.
Feel free to mix in black beans or corn for extra texture and color. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro before serving adds a fresh herbal pop that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Keeping John Wayne Casserole Delicious for Days
Store leftover John Wayne Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 300°F oven until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for an easy, satisfying meal anytime.
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium red bell pepper halved and sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning plus water as directed
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 2 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 16 ounce can large biscuits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust the rack to the center position. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer, pressing them together to form a unified crust that extends halfway up the sides of the dish. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, checking frequently after the 12-minute mark, until the edges are just turning light golden. Remove from the oven and keep the oven on. While the crust bakes, cook the browned ground beef with taco seasoning and the specified water according to the packet instructions, then transfer the seasoned meat to a bowl and wipe out the skillet. In a separate bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of shredded cheddar, and half of the sliced onion until thoroughly combined; set aside. Using the same skillet, sauté the remaining onion along with the sliced bell pepper until just tender. Assemble the casserole by layering the cooked taco meat over the baked biscuit crust, followed by sliced tomatoes, the sautéed peppers and onions, and the jalapeño slices. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top, then finish with the remaining shredded cheddar. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly browned and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
