John Wayne Casserole

Best recipes

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a Southwestern kick, this John Wayne Casserole is your answer. Named after the legendary actor himself, this hearty dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping that’ll make any cowboy tip his hat.

This crowd-pleasing casserole emerged from the American Southwest and has become a beloved potluck staple. It’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family running to the dinner table with its irresistible aroma and colorful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights
  • Customizable heat level to suit your family’s preferences
  • Freezes beautifully for future meals
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have
  • Kid-friendly despite its sophisticated flavors
John Wayne Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups biscuit mix
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tomato sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Drain.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened. Add drained tomatoes and mix well.
  4. Combine biscuit mix and water. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
  6. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
  7. Layer beef mixture over crust, spread sour cream mixture on top, then arrange tomato slices and remaining cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version
  • Add jalapeños for extra heat
  • Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
  • Use Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar
  • Add a layer of refried beans for extra protein

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and warm tortilla chips on the side. For extra indulgence, top with fresh guacamole, additional sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving for easier cutting
  • Cover with foil if top browns too quickly

FAQs

  • Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the meat with black beans and corn for a delicious meatless version.
  • What if I don’t have biscuits? Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread mix make great alternatives for the base.
  • Is it very spicy? The heat level is mild, but you can adjust the seasonings to taste.
John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole

Recipe by

🖨️ Print📌 Pin

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a Southwestern kick, this John Wayne Casserole is your answer. Named after the legendary actor himself,

Servings4
Prep20 min
Cook35 min
Calories472 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups biscuit mix
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tomato sliced

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Drain.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened. Add drained tomatoes and mix well.
  4. Combine biscuit mix and water. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
  6. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
  7. Layer beef mixture over crust, spread sour cream mixture on top, then arrange tomato slices and remaining cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 472 kcal

Notes

  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving for easier cutting
  • Cover with foil if top browns too quickly

You May Also Like :