The Best John Wayne Casserole Recipe – A Hearty Family Favorite

Every home cook loves a hearty John Wayne casserole that brings comfort and zest to the dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients create a mouthwatering experience for anyone seeking a satisfying meal.

Beef, peppers, and cheese mingle in a delightful dance of flavors that will make you smile.

Regional southwestern influences shine through each delectable bite of this classic dish.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making meal preparation a breeze.

Neighbors and relatives will beg you to share this incredible recipe after one taste.

Dive into this culinary adventure and see why this casserole has become a beloved classic.

Save John Wayne Casserole for Another Night

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Cut into individual servings and store in separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

FAQs

• Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

The dish was reportedly created by the Duke’s fans and named after the famous Western movie actor, though no definitive origin story exists.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein substitute and maintains similar flavor profiles in the casserole.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has mild spice from taco seasoning, but you can adjust heat levels by choosing hot or mild seasoning blend.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The casserole reheats well and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

John Wayne Casserole – Big Flavor, Big Crowd

• Savor Simplicity: One-pan magic that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Master Meal Prep: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires simple seasoning techniques and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Delivers a hearty, satisfying dinner in less than an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without complicated steps.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Adaptable dish that works beautifully for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you need a reliable crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will enjoy.

John Wayne Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the main layer of the casserole with rich flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds a zesty southwestern spice blend to enhance the beef's taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy freshness to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and subtle crunch to the casserole.

• Biscuit Dough: Creates a soft, flaky foundation for the entire casserole.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Brings creamy richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers melty, gooey goodness and golden-brown topping.

How to Create John Wayne Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it’s perfectly cooked.

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Stir everything together for a mouthwatering mix.

Step 3: Prep the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease.

Spread out the biscuit dough across the bottom like a cozy blanket.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Layer

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Smooth this dreamy mixture right over the biscuit dough.

Step 5: Layer on the Beef

Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the creamy base. Make sure every inch gets some love.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella over the top. Go wild with the cheese – more is always better!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Dive in and enjoy your John Wayne Casserole!

Cooking Tips for John Wayne Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that reduces fat content.
• Dice fresh tomatoes instead of canned for brighter, fresher flavor and lower sodium levels.
• Prepare biscuit dough from scratch for a more authentic, homemade texture and control over ingredients.
• Use low-fat cheese options to cut calories without sacrificing the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comfort dish.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the beef mixture for added vitamins and minerals.

New Versions for John Wayne Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace regular ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage and add jalapeños for extra heat.
• Chicken Ranch Remix: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and mix ranch seasoning into the sour cream layer for a creamy alternative.
• Vegetarian Mexican Fusion: Use black beans and roasted corn instead of beef, incorporate quinoa for protein, and add green chiles for depth.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Substitute beef with ground lamb, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add oregano and diced kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.

Plating John Wayne Casserole Family-Style

• Hearty Tex-Mex Family Dinner Companion
• Serve this casserole with crisp green salad topped with avocado slices and lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
• Zesty Side Kick Platter
• Pair with Mexican-style street corn (elote) or cilantro-lime rice to complement the bold southwestern profile of the dish.
• Game Night Feast Presentation
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for extra texture and tangy brightness that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Weekend Spread
• Accompany with homemade salsa, guacamole, and warm tortilla chips to create a complete southwestern-style meal that everyone will devour enthusiastically.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty john wayne casserole brings Southwestern comfort to dinner tables with bold flavors and easy preparation. Beef, peppers, and cheese combine in a satisfying one-dish meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet until completely browned, eliminating any excess grease.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and sliced bell peppers into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly.
4. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface and carefully laying out the biscuit dough as a foundational layer.
5. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the cheddar cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly across the biscuit dough base, creating a consistent layer.
7. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
8. Generously top the beef with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese, creating a complete cheese blanket.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning or using a mild or hot variety to suit different taste preferences.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own from scratch to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quicker and easier, especially for busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg