The Original John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish featuring a biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights and family gatherings. This easy casserole delivers big on taste with minimal fuss.

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious John Wayne Casserole.

• 2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (plus water as directed on packet), or use homemade taco seasoning
• 16 ounce can large biscuits
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
• 4 ounces canned sliced jalapeno peppers

Customize your John Wayne Casserole with easy swaps.

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled firm tofu or plant-based grounds.
• Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Biscuits: If you don’t have large biscuits, you can use a can of refrigerated crescent rolls, pressing them together to form a crust.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free shredded cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Use gluten-free biscuits or a gluten-free pie crust.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, black beans, or zucchini.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place an oven rack in the center position. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch glass baking dish.
2. Open the can of large biscuits. Place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Press the biscuits together to form a solid crust. Gently press the dough up the sides of the dish, about halfway.
3. Place the baking dish with the biscuit crust onto a baking sheet. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely; the edges should be lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Keep the oven on.
4. While the biscuit crust bakes, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Transfer the seasoned ground beef to a bowl and set aside.
5. In a separate medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced onions. Mix well and set aside.
6. Wipe out the skillet used for the beef. Add the remaining sliced onions and the sliced red bell pepper. Sauté them over medium heat until they are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the baked biscuit crust.
8. Layer the sliced tomatoes over the ground beef.
9. Spoon the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture over the tomatoes.
10. Evenly distribute the canned sliced jalapeno peppers over the vegetables.
11. Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the jalapeno peppers.
12. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
13. Bake the John Wayne Casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the biscuit crust are lightly browned.
14. Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set.

• Overbaking the biscuit crust: Watch the biscuit crust carefully during its initial bake. If it gets too brown, it will become tough and hard. Aim for a light golden color.
• Soggy bottom: Ensure the ground beef is well-drained of grease before adding the taco seasoning. Properly sautéing the vegetables also helps prevent excess moisture.
• Undercooked cheese: Make sure the oven temperature is correct and bake long enough for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. If the crust is done but the cheese isn’t, you can briefly broil it, watching constantly.
• Under-seasoning: Taste the taco meat mixture before assembling. Adjust salt, pepper, or taco seasoning as needed for your preference.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco meat or use a hotter variety of jalapenos.
• Mexican Inspired: Mix in a can of drained black beans or corn with the ground beef for extra texture and flavor.
• Creamier Top: For an even richer topping, blend the sour cream and mayonnaise with an extra ounce of cream cheese before spreading.

• Serve hot, straight from the oven. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Offer a side of salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream for guests to add their own toppings.
• Cornbread or a side of refried beans also pairs well with this hearty casserole.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole components ahead of time. Brown the beef, sauté the vegetables, and mix the sour cream topping. Assemble just before baking, or assemble entirely and refrigerate, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

The John Wayne Casserole offers a delightful combination of textures and savory flavors, making it a go-to comfort food. Its straightforward preparation ensures it’s accessible for cooks of all levels, promising a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Original John Wayne Casserole

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A hearty layered casserole with a biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheddar topping. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.

• Author: basma
• Prep Time: 25
• Cook Time: 40
• Total Time: 65
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-vegetarian, contains dairy

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
1 ounce taco seasoning packet (plus water as directed)
16-ounce can large biscuits
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
4 ounces canned jalapeno peppers, drained

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Roll out biscuit dough into 12-inch crust for a 9-inch casserole dish
Layer cooked ground beef mixture over crust
Top with sliced onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapenos
In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the cheddar cheese
Spread evenly over vegetables
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly

Notes

Use homemade taco seasoning if preferred
Add extra cheddar if desired
Adjust jalapeno quantity to taste
Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice of casserole
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1400mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg