John Wayne Casserole (Hearty Southwestern Classic)
The John Wayne Casserole is a bold, comforting, Southwestern-style dish made famous at community cookouts and church potlucks. It layers a biscuit-style base with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes with green chilies, peppers, onions, and a rich, cheesy topping with a hint of tang. Hearty, filling, and full of Tex-Mex flavor, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep—one pan, big flavor, and serious comfort-food vibes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
1 can (8 oz / 225 g) refrigerated biscuit dough
2 tbsp milk (optional, for softer base)
Beef Layer
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
½ cup water
Veggie Layer
1 can (10 oz / 285 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Cheesy Topping
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C / 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Biscuit Base
Cut biscuit dough into quarters.
Press evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a thin crust.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set (not fully browned).
Remove and set aside.
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add taco seasoning and water; simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Stir in diced tomatoes and jalapeño (if using).
Make the Cheesy Topping
In a bowl, mix:
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Half of the shredded cheese
Paprika and black pepper
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base.
Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the beef.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Pro Tips
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add corn or black beans for extra texture.
Like heat? Use pepper jack cheese or extra jalapeños.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a simple green salad
Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans
Great as leftovers—flavors deepen the next day!
Final Thoughts
The John Wayne Casserole is bold, filling, and unapologetically comforting—a true classic that brings everyone back for seconds. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying straight from the oven.