Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe
John Wayne was a manly man. He exuded masculinity and was a face of America. While my kiddos have no idea who he is, this John Wayne Casserole became one of our family’s favorites the first time I made it. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—everything a comfort dish should be.
I admit, the first time I made it, I was mostly intrigued by the name. I figured any casserole named after *The Duke* had to pack a punch. I wasn’t wrong. This dish quickly earned a spot on our go-to weeknight meal list. It’s one of those recipes you can count on when the family is hungry, time is tight, and you want something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Easy John Wayne Casserole recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It uses simple pantry staples and transforms them into a bubbling hot, mouthwatering meal that smells amazing while it bakes. My kids come running when they smell it in the oven!
The best part? It starts with flaky refrigerated biscuits as the base and builds layers of seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, sliced tomatoes, and a rich sour cream mixture topped with loads of melted cheese. You could call it a Southwestern-style casserole with a comfort-food twist. No matter what you call it, it’s just plain good eating.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines flavor, convenience, and just a hint of nostalgia, this John Wayne Casserole is worth a try. You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy it—but you might feel like one after a big plate of this cheesy, meaty masterpiece.
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
This EASY John Wayne Casserole Recipe is delicious layers of ground beef, ooey, gooey cheese, fresh veggies and jalapeno peppers for a kick, all baked on top of a crust made from flakey biscuits. Or, we'll just call it dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 pkg taco seasoning mix (I used mild)
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 cups sour cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 pkg Pillsbury Flaky Biscuits
- 4 fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeño peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, about 5 minutes. Drain the Fat. Add the taco seasoning to the meat and stir in the water. Simmer meat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until water is reduced, about 7 minutes.
- Prepare the casserole: Open the refrigerator biscuits and press them into the bottom of the casserole dish (they should be flat and resemble more of a crust than biscuit when you are done). Layer the casserole in this order, biscuits, ground beef, sliced tomatoes, chopped onion, green peppers, and diced jalapeno. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, 1.5 cups cheese, and the mayonnaise. Mix until well combined. Spread sour cream mixture over top of layers. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place casserole on center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, until the crust is a golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Jazz It Up: Add 1 cup of ham to the mixture before baking.
Notes
Expert Tips for the Best John Wayne Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to cut down on grease and make cleanup easier.
- For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning mix.
- Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option—it’s just as creamy and adds a tangy flavor.
- Try using Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a more Southwestern flair.
- If you like your casserole extra cheesy, sprinkle in some pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 839Total Fat: 67gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 35gCholesterol: 189mgSodium: 724mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 44g
Nutritional Information may not be accurate
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 packets taco seasoning (mild or spicy)
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 package Pillsbury flaky biscuits
- 4 fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeño (optional)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease 9×13 dish.
- Press biscuits to form a crust in the dish.
- Brown ground beef; drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning + water; simmer till thick.
- Sauté onions & peppers until fragrant.
- Mix sour cream, 1½ cups cheddar, mayo.
- Layer beef, tomatoes, sautéed vegetables, and jalapeños.
- Spread creamy mixture evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 25–35 min until biscuits are lightly browned and cheese bubbly.
- Let rest 5 min before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Casserole
- Lean ground beef: Reduces grease and keeps it light.
- Greek yogurt: Swap for sour cream for tang and fewer calories.
- Cheese swap: Use Monterey Jack or pepper Jack for Southwestern flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze: Store in airtight container up to 3 months; thaw overnight and bake at 350 °F.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What sides pair well? Try a simple salad, steamed veggies, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips & salsa.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely—freeze sealed for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 350 °F.
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More Hearty Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Taco Pie – similar crowd-pleaser with bold flavors.
- Hearty Chicken Pot Pie – classic comfort food everyone loves.
- Green Chile Quiche – another great make‑ahead breakfast or dinner option.
For more tips on cooking and kitchen creativity, check out Food Network and Serious Eats.