John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Get ready to dig into pure comfort food bliss with this John Wayne Casserole Recipe! This hearty, crowd-pleasing bake is loaded with zesty ground beef, layers of colorful veggies, and a creamy, cheesy topping—all nestled on a fluffy biscuit crust. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and Southwestern flavors, making it a family favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something extra cozy, this casserole is the ultimate answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this John Wayne Casserole Recipe is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable. Each element plays a delicious role, from the savory beef to the golden cheese, so don’t skip the details!
- Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, providing that rich, savory base—swap for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a punchy Southwestern kick that ties all the flavors together; homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Water: Helps blend the taco seasoning and create a saucy, flavorful beef layer.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Forms a buttery, flaky crust that soaks up all the juices—so easy and so good!
- Sour Cream: Brings cool creaminess to balance out the spice and add luscious texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the topping bake up silky and smooth.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic sharpness that melts beautifully and gives you that essential cheesy pull.
- Onion (sliced): Offers a bit of sweetness and crunch; slice thinly for even baking.
- Bell Pepper (sliced): Pops of color and sweetness—choose any color you love.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Brings tang, moisture, and just a little heat for depth of flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds creamy, mild cheesiness to the top.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle but essential layer of aroma and flavor.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend for extra savory notes.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to taste and adjust—these bring all the flavors into balance.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your largest skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step fills your kitchen with the best savory aromas and sets the stage for all those Tex-Mex flavors. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef, then pour in the water. Stir everything together until the spices are thoroughly mixed in. Let it simmer for about five minutes, just until the mixture thickens and becomes wonderfully fragrant—this is what gives the John Wayne Casserole Recipe its signature flavor punch!
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Crust
While the beef simmers, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and press the refrigerated biscuit dough into the bottom, gently working it up the sides to form a rustic crust. This biscuit base will bake up golden and fluffy, soaking in all those delicious juices without getting soggy.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Cream Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is what gives the casserole its irresistible, tangy richness—don’t skimp!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Now comes the fun part: building your layers! Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the biscuit crust. Next, scatter on the sliced onions and bell peppers, followed by the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Spoon the sour cream mixture over the top, using the back of a spoon to gently spread it. Finish by sprinkling on the remaining cheddar and all the Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, and the edges are crisp. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and makes serving so much easier.
How to Serve John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings make this casserole shine even brighter! Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a few diced tomatoes for a pop of freshness. A dollop of extra sour cream or a few jalapeño slices can add just the kick you crave.
Side Dishes
Pair your John Wayne Casserole Recipe with simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips are always welcome, and Mexican-style rice or refried beans make it feel like a true Southwestern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets, or scoop the casserole onto tostada shells for a playful Tex-Mex spin. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a topping bar with salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully! Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more tempting.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly—about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions in short bursts, covered, until hot. Add a bit of extra cheese before reheating to refresh that gooey topping!
FAQs
Can I make the John Wayne Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite plant-based ground meat for the beef and make sure your taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly. All the other ingredients work perfectly for a meatless version!
How spicy is the John Wayne Casserole Recipe?
It has a mild kick from the taco seasoning and green chiles, but you can easily adjust the spice level. For more heat, add jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning. For milder tastes, choose mild diced tomatoes with chiles.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Definitely! If you have a favorite biscuit recipe, go for it. Homemade dough adds a personal touch and a slightly different texture, but the convenience of canned dough is just as delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is your best friend here. Reheat at 350°F covered with foil until hot, or use the microwave for quicker individual servings. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese to keep things gooey and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and downright fun, you can’t go wrong with this John Wayne Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish people remember and request again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready for a casserole night you’ll want to repeat!
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John Wayne Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, a biscuit crust, and layers of cheese, vegetables, and creamy sour cream topping, baked to golden perfection. This John Wayne Casserole is a delicious southwestern-inspired comfort food perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, enhancing the beef’s flavor.
- Prepare Biscuit Crust: Press the refrigerated biscuit dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it slightly up the sides to form a crust base for the casserole.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful creamy topping.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the biscuit crust in the baking dish. Next, layer the sliced onions, bell peppers, and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles evenly on top of the beef layer.
- Add Sour Cream Mixture: Spoon the creamy sour cream mixture over the layered vegetables, spreading it gently for an even coverage.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese along with all of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sour cream layer to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, ensuring the biscuit crust is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add jalapeños to the mix for extra heat and spice.
- Use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise to reduce calorie content.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid greasy casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for better slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
