John Wayne Casserole

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Bold, hearty, and bursting with Southwestern flavors, the John Wayne Casserole is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special. This iconic dish layers seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese over a soft biscuit crust, then finishes with a golden blanket of melted cheddar. It’s a satisfying crowd-pleaser that combines Tex-Mex zest with down-home warmth in every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers rich taste and satisfying textures with minimal fuss. The perfect fusion of spice, creaminess, and crunch makes it more than just a dinner — it’s a comfort classic worth repeating.

Why You’ll Love This John Wayne Casserole

This casserole is incredibly filling and budget-friendly, making it ideal for feeding a family or a group. It’s also extremely adaptable — you can easily tweak it with extra veggies, a spicier seasoning, or leaner meats. Most importantly, it’s a one-dish wonder with layers of bold flavor that come together with minimal effort.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need a large skillet, a mixing bowl, a 9×13-inch baking dish, a wooden spoon or spatula, and a cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh). The skillet is essential for browning the beef evenly and sautéing the vegetables without crowding. The baking dish allows for even baking and layering, while the mixing bowl is key for prepping the creamy topping. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged, so the grater is a bonus tool that enhances the final texture.

Preparation Tips

Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef before layering it in the casserole — this prevents the base from becoming greasy. Preheat your oven fully to ensure the biscuit base bakes evenly and doesn’t come out doughy. If you’re short on time, store-bought biscuit dough works well, but don’t skip seasoning the beef generously to maintain flavor depth. And lastly, let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking for cleaner slices and better structure.

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Ingredients for this John Wayne Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, chopped cilantro

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, then stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a separate pan or using the same skillet (after removing beef), sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper until softened — about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the drained corn, then combine with the ground beef mixture and remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until fully mixed. This creamy mixture adds a tangy richness that balances the bold beef flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, flattening to cover the surface completely. Slightly press it up the sides to create a crust-like effect.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the biscuit base. Spread the creamy layer on top of the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything to form the cheesy topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the biscuit crust is cooked through. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife into the center and ensuring it comes out clean with no raw dough.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. Before serving, garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.

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Notes

This casserole is all about bold flavor and texture. You can customize the heat level by adjusting the type of diced tomatoes used (look for versions with extra chilies if you like it spicy). Using freshly grated cheese is highly recommended—it melts more smoothly and adds a better mouthfeel. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based alternative and keep everything else the same.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the most common pitfalls is undercooking the biscuit base. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing your casserole in, and try not to overload the filling to avoid soggy dough underneath. Also, draining the meat and canned veggies thoroughly is essential—excess moisture can ruin the texture. Lastly, don’t skip the rest time after baking; it’s crucial for getting clean slices and avoiding a runny mess.

Storage Instructions

Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~480 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John Wayne Casserole made of?

It’s a layered dish with ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes with green chilies, sautéed vegetables, a creamy sour cream layer, and melted cheese on top of a biscuit crust.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the final cheese topping, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and bake when ready to serve.

How do I make it spicier?

Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies, add jalapeños to the veggie mix, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the beef.

Can I substitute the biscuit dough?

Definitely. You can use crescent roll dough or even a layer of mashed potatoes or cornbread batter for a different twist.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free biscuit dough and check all packaged ingredients for gluten content.

What should I serve with it?

It’s hearty on its own, but a side salad, tortilla chips with salsa, or some Mexican rice make great pairings.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, either as a whole (before or after baking) or in individual portions. Wrap tightly and label with date.

Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

It’s said to be inspired by a recipe submitted by the actor John Wayne to a charity cookbook, though the original version has evolved significantly over the years.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole delivers everything you want in a comforting dinner—hearty meat, creamy layers, and a golden cheese topping, all baked on a soft, buttery biscuit crust. It’s adaptable, easy to prepare, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. Give it a try and you’ll find yourself adding it to your regular meal rotation.

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