John Wayne Casserole Recipe
The John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its layers of savory beef, vegetables, creamy sour cream mixture, and melted cheese on a biscuit base create a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. This casserole is not only filling but also offers a delightful balance of textures—from the soft biscuit crust to the tender vegetables and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding a hungry family, this dish is an ideal choice for an effortless, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the rich, robust flavor of the casserole. Ground beef serves as the foundation, providing a savory, meaty base that’s enhanced by the taco seasoning. This seasoning blend infuses the dish with spices, adding a southwestern flair and a kick of flavor. The bell peppers and onions not only add sweetness and a slight crunch but also complement the richness of the beef with their natural vibrancy.
The Cheddar cheese, used generously throughout the casserole, melts into a golden, bubbly topping that brings everything together. A mix of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a creamy layer that balances the spiciness of the taco seasoning and the heat from the jalapeños, which can be added for those who enjoy a bit of spice. The biscuit dough, which forms the base of the casserole, bakes into a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly supports the hearty layers above. Finally, the fresh tomato slices add a light, juicy contrast to the overall richness of the dish.
For those looking to customize the recipe, feel free to swap out the jalapeños for milder peppers, or use turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making John Wayne Casserole
To start, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Press the biscuit dough evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides. This will create a solid, flaky foundation for the layers to come. Bake the dough until it’s golden and firm to the touch, which typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
While the biscuit base is baking, prepare the beef by browning it in a nonstick skillet. Break the meat apart as it cooks, ensuring it turns crumbly and evenly browned, which takes around 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing the flavors to blend as the mixture simmers for 5 minutes.
Once the beef is ready, sauté the onions and bell peppers in the same skillet. Cook them until they begin to soften, bringing out their natural sweetness without letting them turn too mushy. In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the sautéed vegetables to create a creamy, tangy layer that will add depth to the casserole.
Now, it’s time to assemble the dish. Start by layering the seasoned beef on top of the baked biscuit crust. Then, add the tomato slices, the remaining vegetables, and jalapeños if desired. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the entire casserole. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
To prevent the biscuit base from becoming soggy, make sure to pre-bake it until it’s firm. Also, don’t overload the casserole with too much liquid from the meat or vegetables.
Customizing the Casserole:
Feel free to add more veggies like corn or black beans for extra texture, or swap out Cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
Can I use different meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
What if I don’t have biscuits?
In place of biscuits, you can use a pie crust or even a cornbread base.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Omit the jalapeños and reduce the taco seasoning if you’re making this dish for a family that prefers milder flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Just be sure to store it covered in the fridge until then.
What to Serve With This Recipe
John Wayne Casserole is rich and filling, so pairing it with lighter side dishes creates a balanced meal. A crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the savory, creamy casserole without overpowering it. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for a more southwestern twist. For those who love vibrant flavors, a fresh salsa or guacamole adds a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to beverages, iced tea or a cold beer pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the dish. A chilled, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager would also be great choices for those looking to elevate the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, John Wayne Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge. Place the casserole in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to a month, making this dish a convenient option for meal prepping.
To reheat, use the oven for best results—cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, though it may soften the biscuit crust slightly. Just be sure to heat it in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
This casserole is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to experiment with toppings and sides to suit your taste. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. For those who enjoy heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce will do the trick.
Whether you’re serving this dish for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a casual potluck, John Wayne Casserole is sure to be a hit. Its layers of savory goodness and easy assembly make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
¾ cup water
1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the sides. Place in the oven and bake until the dough is lightly golden, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the oven on after removing the pan.
In the meantime, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning along with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and set it aside.
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften, roughly 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the sautéed onion-pepper mixture.
To assemble the casserole, layer the cooked beef on top of the pre-baked biscuit crust. Follow with slices of tomatoes, the remaining sautéed onion-pepper mixture, and optional jalapeño peppers. Spoon the sour cream mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over everything.
Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turns bubbly and golden. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 16.3 ounce can refrigerated biscuits
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium red bell pepper halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 4 ounce jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the sides. Place in the oven and bake until the dough is lightly golden, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the oven on after removing the pan.
- In the meantime, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning along with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and set it aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften, roughly 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the sautéed onion-pepper mixture.
- To assemble the casserole, layer the cooked beef on top of the pre-baked biscuit crust. Follow with slices of tomatoes, the remaining sautéed onion-pepper mixture, and optional jalapeño peppers. Spoon the sour cream mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over everything.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turns bubbly and golden. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.