John Wayne Casserole

If you love bold flavors, creamy goodness, and pure comfort food bliss, you must try this John Wayne Casserole! This dish is absolutely loaded with gooey cheese, zesty seasoned beef, and a golden biscuit crust that's melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Each bite delivers savory, Tex-Mex inspired flavors with a satisfying mix of creamy and crunchy textures. It's almost embarrassingly easy to make and always leaves plates polished clean, making it my top pick for a fuss-free family dinner.

Perfect for casual weeknight meals or hearty weekend gatherings—trust me, this casserole disappears fast. It's inspired by the beloved potluck classic and is a long-standing family favorite in my home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Layers of flavor: Experience cheesy, creamy, and savory goodness in every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser: Big enough for a family dinner, potluck, or game day spread.
• Quick and easy: Simple prep with mostly pantry and fridge staples.
• Complete meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one cozy casserole.

Key Ingredients for John Wayne Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

The hearty, seasoned ground beef is the star of this casserole, delivering classic Tex-Mex flavor and satisfying protein. For best results, opt for lean ground beef (80-90%)—it yields rich taste with less grease to drain. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.

Biscuit Mix

This forms the tender, golden crust that supports all the hearty layers above. I love using a classic boxed biscuit mix (like Bisquick), which keeps things simple. You can also use homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough in a pinch; just know that it will slightly change the texture of your base.

Jalapeños

For a gentle kick and authentic Southwestern flair, diced pickled jalapeños are key. They're tangy with just the right level of heat. If you prefer less spice, use mild green chiles instead, or omit entirely for a kid-friendly version. Like it even hotter? Add fresh diced jalapeños!

Sour Cream & Mayonnaise

The combo of sour cream and mayo gives the topping its rich, creamy texture. It also balances out the seasoning and brings all the layers together. You can lighten it with Greek yogurt if you prefer or swap one for the other, but that may slightly alter the final richness.

Cheddar Cheese

Loads of shredded cheddar melt on top, creating a perfectly gooey, golden crown for your casserole. Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor punch, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for variety. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own means even better melt and flavor.

Instructions for John Wayne Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks when serving those cheesy layers.

Cook the Beef Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Layer the Biscuit Crust

In a medium bowl, mix the biscuit baking mix and milk just until combined (don’t overmix). Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish—this will be your crust.

Assemble the Casserole Layers

Spread the cooked beef mixture over the biscuit crust. Top with drained tomatoes with green chiles, followed by the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños (or green chiles) for layers of flavor and texture.

Make the Creamy Topping

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Dollop and gently spread this mixture over the veggies for a rich, creamy layer.

Finish and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh sliced green onions before serving for a hint of color and crunch.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble, cooked lentils, or black beans. You'll still get all the hearty, Tex-Mex flavor and that wonderful creamy top!

Spicy Southwest Kick

Craving extra heat? Add diced fresh jalapeños or even a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo to the beef mixture. Smoked paprika is also fantastic here.

Lighter & Gluten-Free

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese. Prefer gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free biscuit mix for the crust.

Add More Veggies

Sneak in extra fiber and flavor by adding corn, zucchini, or even baby spinach between the beef and veggie layers.

Cheesy Supreme

Love cheese? Stir in a blend of pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese mix along with the cheddar for layers of cheesiness in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve John Wayne Casserole hot, garnished generously with fresh sliced green onions. Pair it with a simple side salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a scoop of Spanish rice for a complete meal. For the ultimate Tex-Mex experience, add a side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover and reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes). To freeze, cut cooled casserole into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Wayne Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I make John Wayne Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I use instead of biscuit mix for the crust?
A: Crescent roll dough, homemade biscuit dough, or even a layer of tater tots will work—just note it will change the texture and flavor.

Q: Is John Wayne Casserole spicy?
A: With pickled jalapeños, it has a mild to moderate heat. For less spice, swap in mild green chiles or skip the jalapeños entirely.

Feeling hungry yet? This John Wayne Casserole is the rich, satisfying comfort food your dinner table deserves. Give it a try—then drop a comment or rating below and let me know how quickly it disappeared at your house!