Name: John Wayne Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Why You’ll Love John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This casserole strikes the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors. The biscuit layer provides a soft, satisfying foundation while the taco‑seasoned beef and veggies deliver bold taste. The creamy sour cream and cheese topping melts into gooey goodness, making each bite rich and fulfilling — even picky eaters love it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

biscuits (canned or homemade)
ground beef
taco seasoning
onion
bell peppers
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
sour cream
mayonnaise
cheddar cheese
jalapeños (optional)

John Wayne Casserole (Recipe Card)

16.3 ounce can refrigerated biscuits
1 ½–2 pounds ground beef (85% lean preferred)
1 ounce taco seasoning packet
½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes with peppers
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
10.5 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with peppers
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
jalapeños, sliced thin (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the biscuits in a single layer in a greased 9×13″ baking dish and press them together to form one layer covering the bottom.
Bake biscuits until lightly golden, about 12–16 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with onion and bell peppers until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and salsa or Rotel to the beef mixture; cook 3–4 minutes until combined and slightly thickened.
In a bowl, mix sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.
Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the beef layer.
Top with remaining cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños if using.
Bake until the cheese is bubbling and starts to brown, about 20 minutes more.
Let stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Serves approximately 8 people.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 35–40 minutes
Resting time: about 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant‑based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
• Different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend for varied flavor.
• Extra veggies: Add corn, black beans, or diced zucchini for more texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Once fully cooled, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2–3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

What is John Wayne Casserole?

John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex‑Mex casserole with a biscuit base, seasoned ground beef, veggies, creamy topping, and cheese.

Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

The dish’s name traces back to a recipe attributed to actor John Wayne that was shared in a charity cookbook in the late 1970s and evolved into this popular version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes — ground turkey, chicken, or plant‑based crumbles work well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes — once cooled, wrap and freeze for up to 2–3 months; thaw before reheating.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with green salad, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips.

Can I make it without biscuits?

You can substitute a cornbread or Bisquick base, but texture and flavor may vary.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has mild Tex‑Mex flavors; add extra chilies or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I make it gluten‑free?

Use a gluten‑free biscuit mix or cornbread mix to adapt it.

How do I reheat individual servings?

Microwave for 45–60 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a satisfying, crowd‑pleasing dish that combines comfort food elements with bold Tex‑Mex flavors. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and a biscuit crust, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potluck meals. Its versatility and hearty nature mean you’ll want to make it again and again.

John Wayne Casserole

Why You’ll Love John Wayne Casserole Recipe