Hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, this John Wayne casserole is a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to put together. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and golden biscuits bake into a comforting meal everyone will love.
What Is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne casserole is a classic layered dish named after the legendary actor himself. It’s known for its simple ingredients and bold flavors—savory ground beef, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese baked with a biscuit crust.
The result? A satisfying, rich, and creamy casserole with just the right balance of spice and comfort. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time and makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or potluck dish.
John Wayne Casserole Ingredients
You’ll need:
For the Crust:
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2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
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⅔ cup water
For the Filling:
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 packet taco seasoning
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¾ cup water
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1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 large tomato, sliced thin
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground Beef:
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Drain any grease after browning.
Cheese:
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra kick.
Vegetables:
You can add corn, jalapeños, or even black beans to give the casserole more texture and flavor.
Spice Level:
Adjust the taco seasoning or use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies if you prefer less heat.
How To Make John Wayne Casserole
Step One: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step Two: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease.
Step Three: Add Seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir well to combine.
Step Four: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the biscuit mix with water until just combined. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step Five: Bake the Crust
Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly set but not fully browned. Remove from the oven.
Step Six: Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a separate bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step Seven: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Spoon the sour cream mixture on top and spread it evenly. Arrange the tomato slices over the top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over everything.
Step Eight: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
Recipe Tips
Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough:
Mix just until combined—overmixing makes it tough.
Drain the Beef Well:
This keeps the casserole from becoming greasy and helps the crust stay crisp.
Use Fresh Cheese:
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting. Grate your own for the best texture.
Add More Heat:
Love spice? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
What To Serve With John Wayne Casserole
This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides:
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Green Salad: Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado with ranch dressing balance the richness.
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Mexican Rice: A flavorful, hearty side that complements the taco seasoning.
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Corn on the Cob: Adds a hint of sweetness to contrast the savory filling.
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Chips and Salsa: A crunchy, easy side that keeps the meal fun.
How To Store John Wayne Casserole
In the Fridge:
Cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer:
This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20–25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Variations
Spicy John Wayne Casserole:
Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for a bold twist.
Vegetarian Version:
Skip the meat and replace it with black beans, corn, and diced zucchini. The flavors stay rich and hearty.
Breakfast Version:
Use cooked sausage instead of ground beef and top with scrambled eggs before baking.
Chicken Version:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken and ranch seasoning for a creamy Southwestern take.
How To Make Ahead
This casserole is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time in two ways:
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Assemble Now, Bake Later:
Prepare all layers up to the baking step. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. -
Bake and Reheat:
Bake the casserole completely, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat covered with foil in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called John Wayne Casserole?
This dish was reportedly named after the actor John Wayne, who contributed a similar recipe to a charity cookbook. Its hearty, down-home flavor matches the rugged cowboy image he was famous for.
Can I Use Crescent Roll Dough Instead of Biscuit Mix?
Yes! You can press a sheet of crescent roll dough into the pan as the crust. Bake for 5–7 minutes before adding the layers.
Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
Definitely. Add cayenne pepper, hot taco seasoning, or chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Ingredients?
You can use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and lean ground beef without losing flavor.
How Do I Prevent a Soggy Bottom?
Partially bake the crust before adding the beef mixture. Also, be sure to drain your beef and tomatoes well.
Serving Ideas and Add-Ons
Make your John Wayne casserole dinner even more exciting with a few creative toppings or sides:
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Fresh Cilantro: Adds color and freshness.
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Sliced Avocado: Creamy and cooling next to the spicy filling.
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Pickled Jalapeños: For a tangy, hot bite.
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Sour Cream Drizzle: Adds richness and makes the dish extra creamy.
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Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle on top for crunch before serving.
If you’re feeding a big group, serve it buffet-style with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own plate.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering. If you plan to freeze portions, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake uncovered until heated through.
Avoid microwaving from frozen—it can make the crust soggy. Reheating in the oven helps restore its crisp edges and melty cheese topping.
Recipe Success Tips
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and peppers add brightness.
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Drain Everything: Excess liquid from beef or tomatoes can make it soggy.
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Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake Step: The partially baked crust holds everything in place.
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Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets and cuts neatly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick.
>It’s filling.
>It’s got layers of flavor in every bite—from the buttery crust to the tangy sour cream topping.
The creamy layer melts into the spiced beef while the tomatoes and cheese pull it all together. It’s comfort food, plain and simple—no frills, just pure satisfaction.
This John Wayne casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Drain.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened. Add drained tomatoes and mix well.
- Combine biscuit mix and water. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Layer beef mixture over crust, spread sour cream mixture on top, then arrange tomato slices and remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This comforting John Wayne casserole delivers the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors baked over a fluffy biscuit crust. Serve it hot and watch it disappear—it’s that good.
