Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe: A Macho Cheese Fest!

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal, look no further than the John Wayne Casserole. Named after the legendary actor himself, this dish has become a family favorite in my household. Growing up, I spent countless Sundays with my grandfather, watching John Wayne movies and indulging in comfort food. Although my children aren’t as familiar with “The Duke,” they haven’t stopped raving about this casserole since I made it for them last week!

Inspired by an old elementary school friend’s post, I decided to try my hand at this mouthwatering dish—and let me tell you, it’s every bit as delicious as it looks. This easy John Wayne Casserole recipe is not so much a traditional casserole as it is a macho cheese feast layered over flaky biscuits, seasoned meats, tomatoes, and a medley of onions and bell peppers. One bite, and my kiddos were asking for seconds—and they’re already begging to have it again soon!

A Slice of History: The Origins of the John Wayne Casserole

Originally, the John Wayne Casserole was a crustless egg and cheese casserole. Rumor has it that John Wayne himself contributed a version of this recipe to the 1979 cookbook Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends, compiled by Cara Connery. Over the years, it evolved into the cheesy, biscuit-based dish we know and love today.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—simple to make, but packed with bold, savory flavors.

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25-35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 packets taco seasoning mix (I used mild, but feel free to adjust the spice level)
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 cups sour cream
• 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 chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeño peppers (optional, for added heat)

Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s how to make the John Wayne Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
3. Open the can of biscuits and press them into the bottom of your casserole dish to form a crust.
4. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the excess fat.
5. Mix in the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Simmer until the water reduces, stirring occasionally.
6. In a separate pan, sauté the green peppers and onions until they soften and become fragrant.
7. In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise to form a creamy mixture.
8. Layer the casserole: Start with the ground beef, followed by sliced tomatoes, sautéed onions and peppers, and diced jalapeños.
9. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the layers.
10. Top it all off with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
11. Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a light golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving.

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.

FAQs

Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

What side dishes go well with John Wayne Casserole?
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of Mexican rice. You could also serve it with some tortilla chips and salsa for an extra Tex-Mex touch.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious, hearty meals like this one? Check out my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! If you want to make meal prep even easier, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with quick, delicious recipes that will take your cooking skills to the next level. Grab your copy today and start whipping up incredible meals that will have your family asking for more!