John Wayne Casserole
A hearty, cheesy, and beefy layered casserole named after the American Western film icon, John Wayne. This dish is known for its bold Tex-Mex flavors, combining ground beef, taco seasoning, bell peppers, onions, a biscuit crust, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
½ cup water
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
For the Base:
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g., Pillsbury Grands)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For the Topping:
¾ cup sour cream
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: sliced jalapeños, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for garnish
Instructions 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
Drain excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, water, and diced tomatoes. Simmer until thickened (~5 minutes). Set aside.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Base
Flatten biscuit dough pieces and press them into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your greased baking dish to form a crust.
Bake for 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
4. Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the shredded cheddar over the baked crust.
Add the cooked beef and veggie mixture evenly on top.
In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and remaining cheese.
Spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Estimated, based on 8 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 530 kcal
Protein 23g
Total Fat 37g
Saturated Fat 15g
Carbohydrates 28g
Sugars 5g
Fiber 2g
Sodium 960mg
Cholesterol 95mg
To reduce calories and fat: use low-fat sour cream/mayo and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
FAQ – John Wayne Casserole Why is it called “John Wayne Casserole”?
It was named after the actor John Wayne, who reportedly contributed a version of this recipe to a 1979 fundraising cookbook. His version had fewer ingredients but inspired the modern version popular today.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, crescent rolls make a great substitute for the biscuit base and add a slightly lighter texture.
What toppings go well?
Chopped scallions, jalapeños, olives, or a dollop of guacamole or salsa can enhance flavor and presentation.
Is it spicy?
Mild to medium. The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and whether the tomatoes with green chilies are hot or mi