The John Wayne Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, layered casserole with roots in Southwestern flavors. Named after the legendary actor himself, this dish features a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and gooey cheese, all layered over a soft biscuit base. It’s an easy, comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, delivering big flavor with minimal effort.
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (such as Ro-Tel)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. - Cook the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary. - Season the Mixture
Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth. - Layer the Casserole
Spread the biscuit dough evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the ground beef mixture over the dough in an even layer. Spoon the sour cream mixture on top of the beef layer, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. - Add Tomato Slices
Arrange the sliced tomato over the top of the cheese layer for added color and flavor. - Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the biscuit base is cooked through. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the casserole hot with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
- Top each serving with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for added color and flavor.
- For an extra Tex-Mex touch, add sliced jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips as a garnish.
Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a chopped jalapeño to the ground beef mixture, or use a spicier taco seasoning.
- Swap the biscuit dough with a layer of crushed tortilla chips for a different texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- This casserole is versatile—try adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra heartiness.
The John Wayne Casserole is a warm, hearty meal that delivers comfort and Southwestern flair in every bite. Easy to prepare and packed with layers of flavor, it’s a hit with families and friends alike. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, the John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex inspired dish filled with ground beef, veggies, and a cheesy biscuit topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (such as Ro-Tel)
- 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 can 8 oz refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
- Season the Mixture
- Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole
- Spread the biscuit dough evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the ground beef mixture over the dough in an even layer. Spoon the sour cream mixture on top of the beef layer, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Tomato Slices
- Arrange the sliced tomato over the top of the cheese layer for added color and flavor.
- Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the biscuit base is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Leave a Reply