Name: John Wayne Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1/2 cup water; 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1/2 bell pepper, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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A hearty, comforting casserole with Tex-Mex flavors, this John Wayne Casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, a soft biscuit crust, a creamy topping, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the kind of warm, crowd-pleasing dish I like to pull out for family dinners or weekend potlucks.

John Wayne Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning mix

½ cup water

1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough

1 cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

1 small onion, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

1 medium tomato, chopped

½ bell pepper, chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Then, I press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish, pinching the edges together to make a solid crust.

In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, then drain off the excess fat.

I stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken.

In a separate bowl, I mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, and chopped onion until it’s well combined.

I layer the cooked beef evenly over the biscuit crust.

Then I spread the creamy sour cream mixture over the beef.

I add diced green chilies, tomatoes, and bell pepper for an extra punch of flavor.

Finally, I top it all with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

I bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

I let it cool for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the biscuit crust for crescent roll dough for a slightly flakier base. If I’m feeling adventurous, I like to add a few slices of jalapeño for heat or a layer of refried beans between the beef and sour cream mixture. For a vegetarian option, I replace the ground beef with black beans and corn—it’s just as hearty and flavorful.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I use the microwave for a quick option or the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. This dish also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the casserole is done?

I look for bubbling cheese on top and a golden-brown crust underneath. If I gently press the center and it feels firm, it’s ready.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare all the layers and store the unbaked dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When I'm ready, I bake it fresh.

What can I use instead of biscuit dough?

I like to use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even a homemade biscuit mix. Each one gives a slightly different texture.

Is this casserole spicy?

It’s mildly spiced thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies, but I can always adjust the heat level by adding hot sauce, jalapeños, or using a spicier taco mix.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. I sometimes throw in corn, black beans, or even spinach for a boost of nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This John Wayne Casserole is everything I want in a comfort food dish—rich, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m feeding my family on a busy weeknight or bringing something warm and satisfying to a potluck, this casserole always hits the spot. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to be devoured.

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John Wayne Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A hearty Tex-Mex inspired casserole with a biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, a creamy sour cream and mayo layer, and melted cheese on top. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Press biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish, pinching the edges together to form a crust.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and water to the beef and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and chopped onion until combined.
Layer the cooked beef over the biscuit crust in the baking dish.
Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the beef layer.
Top with diced green chilies, chopped tomatoes, and bell pepper (if using).
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and crust is golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.