Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Ground Beef & Biscuit Bake

Discover the legendary John Wayne Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that promises to become a new family favorite. This incredible recipe features savory layers of seasoned ground beef, a rich, creamy cheese mixture, fresh vegetables, and a hint of zesty jalapeño peppers, all baked atop a tender, flaky biscuit crust. It’s the perfect solution for a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner that brings comfort to the table.

Looking for a slow cooker version? Don’t miss our convenient Crockpot John Wayne Casserole for a hands-off approach to this classic!

Why You’ll Love This John Wayne Casserole

This John Wayne Casserole recipe is truly a stand-out amongst ground beef dinner ideas. While casseroles have always been a staple for easy, comforting meals, this particular version takes convenience and flavor to a whole new level. Like our popular taco empanadas, it’s a top pick for its hearty appeal and straightforward preparation. Alongside favorites like our Hamburger Casserole, this dish offers robust flavors that satisfy everyone at the dinner table. It’s the ideal choice when you need a substantial, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Fascinating Story Behind the John Wayne Casserole

The name “John Wayne Casserole” itself sparks curiosity, and indeed, this recipe has an interesting backstory. Legend has it that this specific casserole was a favorite of the iconic American actor, John Wayne, who was known for his rugged, larger-than-life persona both on and off screen. The story suggests that the recipe first appeared in a community cookbook published by the Washington D.C. Junior League in 1965, supposedly contributed by a family friend or even Wayne himself. It’s a dish that embodies the hearty, no-nonsense spirit often associated with the Duke – substantial, flavorful, and distinctly American. Regardless of its exact origins, what remains undeniable is its delicious taste and the comforting experience it delivers. Don’t let the jalapeños deter you; they add a delightful layer of flavor without making the casserole overly spicy. This perfect balance ensures that even those sensitive to heat can enjoy it. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly understand why this beef and biscuit casserole has endured as a beloved classic!

Gather Your Ingredients for This Amazing Casserole

Preparing this John Wayne Casserole is straightforward, especially when you have all your ingredients ready. This recipe calls for a combination of pantry staples and fresh produce, creating a vibrant and well-balanced meal. From the robust ground beef to the creamy cheese mixture and crisp vegetables, each component plays a vital role in building the casserole’s signature flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish:

• 2 pounds ground beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease.
• 1 packet taco seasoning: A standard 1-ounce packet is perfect, or opt for our flavorful homemade taco seasoning for a personalized touch.
• 1 16-ounce can large biscuits: Any brand of refrigerated large biscuits will work well, such as Pillsbury Grands. For an extra special touch, you can also use homemade biscuits.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a creamy tang that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Contributes to the luscious, smooth texture of the topping.
• 8-ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided: Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully. Dividing it ensures cheese in both the creamy mixture and as a glorious topping.
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced: Provides a sweet and savory base to the vegetable layer.
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced: Fresh tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and color.
• 1 red bell pepper, halved and sliced: Offers a mild sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced Jalapeño peppers: Drained well. These add a crucial mild heat and authentic Southwestern flavor. For less heat, reduce the amount; for more, use fresh sliced jalapeños.
• 13×9 baking dish: A sturdy casserole dish is essential for even baking. (Ijust bought two of these and LOVE them!)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make John Wayne Casserole

Crafting this John Wayne Casserole is a simple process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. While the recipe might seem layered, each component comes together effortlessly to create a cohesive and incredibly delicious final dish. We’ll start with the biscuit crust, move on to the savory beef and creamy topping, and finish with a perfectly baked, golden brown casserole. Let’s get cooking!

For the biscuit crust, I typically reach for convenience with Pillsbury Grands biscuits, but any generic or store brand of large refrigerated biscuits will yield excellent results. While making biscuits from scratch is always an option if you prefer, their role as a buried crust in this casserole means the canned variety is perfectly adequate and saves significant time. If you’re a purist, here’s a recipe for homemade biscuits you can use.

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure your oven rack is in the center position. Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer at the bottom of the greased pan. Press them together firmly, ensuring there are no gaps, and extend the dough halfway up the sides of the pan to form a sturdy crust. This creates a wonderful base that holds all the delicious layers. Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow and ensure even baking) and bake the biscuit dough in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, checking every few minutes after the 12-minute mark. The goal is for the dough to be very lightly browned around the edges, just starting to take on some color, but not fully golden. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside, but keep the oven on, as you’ll be baking the full casserole soon.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Season. While your biscuits are baking, brown the 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess fat thoroughly. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. Add the packet of taco seasoning (and water, if specified on the packet) to the browned beef and cook according to the seasoning packet instructions. This infuses the beef with fantastic flavor. Transfer the seasoned taco meat to a bowl and set it aside. Wipe out the skillet – you’ll use it again for the vegetables.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces), and half of the sliced onions. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This mixture forms a creamy, tangy layer that adds incredible richness to the casserole. Set this bowl aside for assembly.

Step 4: Sauté the Remaining Vegetables. Using the same skillet you used for the ground beef (no need to wash if you wiped it out well!), sauté the remaining half of the sliced onions and the sliced red bell pepper until they are slightly tender-crisp. This quick sauté enhances their flavor and softens their texture, ensuring they blend beautifully into the casserole without being too crunchy. Set the sautéed vegetables aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole. Now comes the fun part – layering! On top of your pre-baked biscuit crust, arrange the ingredients in the following order:

1. Evenly spread the seasoned taco meat over the biscuit base.
2. Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single layer over the beef.
3. Distribute the sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture over the tomatoes.
4. Scatter the drained sliced jalapeño peppers across the vegetable layer.
5. Gently spoon and spread the creamy sour cream and cheese mixture over the jalapeños, ensuring an even coating.
6. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Place the assembled casserole back into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, uncovered. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuit dough are deeply browned and the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut. We absolutely loved this dish, and we’re confident your family will too!

Tips & Variations for Your John Wayne Casserole

This John Wayne Casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to make it even more perfect for your family:

• Spice Level: For those who love more heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the ground beef, or use fresh, finely diced jalapeños instead of canned. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them entirely. You could also swap them for a milder green chili.
• Protein Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, this casserole is also delicious with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables. Corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), or diced green chilies can be added to the beef layer for extra flavor and nutrients. Sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole makes a fantastic fresh topping after baking.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the ground beef mixture and the sour cream mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble and follow the baking instructions. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze, bake the casserole completely, then let it cool thoroughly. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
• Serving Suggestions: This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, a side of rice, or some steamed green beans.

More Casseroles You’ll Love

Many of our readers have shared their delight with this John Wayne Casserole, making it a regular in their meal rotations. If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and comfort of this dish, you’re in luck! We have an extensive collection of other casserole recipes that are equally delicious and perfect for any night of the week. From classic comfort food to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Explore some of these highly-rated casseroles and let us know your favorites!

1. A beloved ground beef or lamb recipe, Shepherd’s Pie offers ultimate comfort. It’s a timeless dish with countless variations, and our take on this classic is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
2. One of our most popular dinners, this Mexican Chicken Casserole is packed with vibrant, hearty, and utterly delicious flavors.
3. Indulge in Beef Stroganoff Casserole, a rich and creamy weeknight dinner that will captivate your whole family with its luxurious flavors.
4. This 7 Layer Casserole is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
5. For a truly satisfying and comforting meal, try this creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole.
6. Cabbage Rolls are a rustic comfort dish, bursting with a delightful blend of different flavors and textures in every bite.
7. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is our creamiest, most satisfying pasta bake yet, loaded with Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for preparing ahead of time and freezing, ensuring that weeknights are always a breeze!

This post was originally published here on Apr 22, 2015, and has been updated with more detailed instructions and helpful tips for an even better cooking experience.