Table of Contents: John Wayne Casserole
John Wayne Casserole
A Hearty, Cheesy Casserole That’ll Make You Feel Like a True Cowboy
Imagine digging into a bubbling, golden-brown casserole packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy biscuits, melty cheese, and crisp veggies—all baked to perfection. That’s the magic of the John Wayne Casserole, a dish so satisfying it could fuel a cowboy’s long day on the ranch! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Fun fact: While there’s no official record of the Duke himself whipping this up, the dish embodies the bold, no-nonsense spirit of John Wayne—rugged, hearty, and totally irresistible. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
If you love easy, crowd-pleasing casseroles like our Chicken Casserole With Pasta, you’ll adore this recipe. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking—this cheesy masterpiece is about to become a weeknight favorite!
What Is John Wayne Casserole?
Ever wondered why this dish is named after Hollywood’s toughest cowboy? Some say it’s because the casserole is as bold and unpretentious as John Wayne himself—packed with meat, cheese, and a whole lot of flavor. Others joke that it’s the kind of meal a cowboy would devour after a long day on the range.
Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: this casserole lives up to its legendary name. With layers of seasoned beef, fluffy biscuit dough, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies, it’s a meal that sticks to your ribs (and your taste buds). As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish proves it!
Ready to taste the magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This John Wayne Casserole
1. A Flavor-Packed, One-Dish Wonder
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and buttery biscuits all baked into one irresistible dish. Every bite is a perfect mix of savory, cheesy, and slightly crispy goodness.
2. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make
Skip the takeout! This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
3. Customizable Toppings for Extra Flair
Love spice? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer extra veggies? Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
If you love hearty meals like our Chicken Casserole With Pasta, you’ll be obsessed with this one. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
Quick Overview
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 35 minutes
– Total Time: 50 minutes
– Servings: 6-8
This recipe is easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
Key Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions, bell pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer the Casserole: Press biscuit dough into the baking dish. Spread sour cream over the dough, then top with beef mixture, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve With John Wayne Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Try a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans.
Top Tips for Perfecting John Wayne Casserole
– For extra flavor, use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
– Want a crispier crust? Bake the biscuit layer for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
– Short on time? Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-chopped veggies.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
People Also Ask: John Wayne Casserole
Why do they call it a John Wayne casserole?
The name likely comes from its hearty, no-fuss nature—just like the tough cowboy himself! It’s packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
What is John Wayne’s favorite casserole?
While there’s no official record, this dish fits his rugged persona perfectly—meaty, cheesy, and satisfying.
Can you freeze a John Wayne casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What do you serve with John Wayne casserole?
Fresh salads, cornbread, or roasted veggies make great sides.
Conclusion
This John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future lazy dinner night. Now, saddle up and dig in—your taste buds are in for a wild ride!
Loved this recipe? Try our White Chicken Enchiladas next!
Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.
Print
John Wayne Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A Tex-Mex inspired casserole layered with biscuit crust, seasoned beef, vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press biscuit dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish, forming an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes and remove.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Add bell pepper and diced tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Spread beef mixture over the baked biscuit crust.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra spice, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: john wayne casserole, beef casserole, tex-mex, cheesy bake