John Wayne Casserole Recipe

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that has been a favorite in many households for years. It’s a layered casserole that combines a biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping.

The result is a filling meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. If you’ve never tried making it before, it’s simpler than you might think.

However, you might be wondering why it’s called John Wayne Casserole. The dish got its name from the legendary actor John Wayne, who was reportedly a fan of hearty, cowboy-style meals.

While there’s no definitive evidence that he actually created this recipe, it’s easy to imagine him enjoying a dish like this. It’s rustic, satisfying, and has a Tex-Mex twist that’s hard to resist.

What makes this casserole stand out is the combination of flavors and textures. The biscuit crust is the bottom layer of this dish that holds the other ingredients.

Then the taco seasoned ground beef and vegetables provide that classic Tex-Mex flavor. And the creamy, cheesy topping ties it all together.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking to make a hearty comfort food meal to get you through the cold winter months, this recipe is a great option.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Ground beef: For the best results, use ground beef that’s 85% lean. It has enough fat to stay juicy without being overly greasy. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to add a little oil to your skillet so that the leaner meat does not stick to the pan.
• Biscuits: Use large, canned biscuits to create the crust. They’re easy to work with and bake up beautifully in the casserole. Brands like Pillsbury Grands work well for this recipe.
• Taco seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade taco seasoning. Either way, it adds a bold, zesty flavor to the John Wayne Casserole.
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: These two ingredients, along with a little shredded cheese forms the creamy topping that balances the spiciness of the taco meat and jalapeños.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar is a must for the cheesy topping. Feel free to use a sharp or mild variety depending on your preference. As always it is best to grate your own cheese so that it melts better.
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and jalapeños add freshness and a little kick to the dish. You can adjust the amounts or omit the jalapeños if you prefer a milder casserole.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning plus water listed on the back or my homemade taco seasoning
• 16 ounce can large biscuits
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced into thin strips, divided
• 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes sliced
• 4 ounces canned sliced Jalapeno peppers

INSTRUCTIONS – John Wayne Casserole

1. Prepare the Biscuit Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Arrange the biscuits in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish. Press them down to form a crust, making sure to join the edges and press the dough halfway up the sides of the dish.
• Bake the biscuit crust for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s light golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside. Leave the oven on.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• While the crust is baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Drain the excess grease and return the beef to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Cook until the mixture thickens, then transfer the taco meat to a bowl and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Lightly wipe out the skillet and then return it to the heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed.
• Sauté half of the sliced onions and bell peppers until they’re slightly tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Topping For John Wayne Casserole:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the remaining uncooked onions. Stir until well mixed and set aside.

Assemble The Casserole

• Start by spreading the taco meat evenly over the baked biscuit crust.
• Layer the tomato slices on top of the meat, followed by the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
• Add the jalapeños, then spread the creamy topping over the vegetables.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake the Casserole

• Place the John Wayne casserole in the oven and then bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. The edges of the biscuit crust should be lightly browned, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can skip the jalapeños or use mild green chilies instead.
• Add more veggies: Diced zucchini, corn, or black beans would make great additions to the casserole.
• Cheese substitutions: While cheddar is traditional, you can try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a slightly different flavor.
• Shortcut option: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked taco meat and sautéed vegetables to speed up the preparation.

John Wayne Casserole is a well-balanced dish that combines a variety of flavors into a delicious meal. The biscuit crust provides a sturdy base that holds up well to the layers of meat, vegetables, and cheese. The taco seasoning adds a bold, Tex-Mex kick, while the creamy topping helps mellow out the spice and tie everything together. It’s a dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Whether you’re a fan of Tex-Mex flavors or just looking for a comforting meal, this casserole is a must-try. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your preferences, so you can make it so you and your family can enjoy it.

Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. If you want another delicious ground beef casserole recipe be sure to try my Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole. It is another family favorite!

Enjoy! Mary

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