🤠 John Wayne Casserole – A Hearty Classic with Tex-Mex Flavor

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, then saddle up and make room at the table for the legendary John Wayne Casserole. This rich, layered dish is a fan favorite in Southern kitchens and potluck circles for good reason: it’s hearty, cheesy, zesty, and just a little spicy—just like “The Duke” himself.

Made with layers of ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, biscuit dough, and fresh vegetables, this casserole is the definition of down-home cooking. Whether you’re feeding a big family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing a dish to a get-together, John Wayne Casserole never disappoints.

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🧾 Why Is It Called “John Wayne Casserole”?

Yes—this casserole is actually named after the Western movie icon John Wayne. According to food lore, the recipe originated from a cookbook project in the 1970s to which Wayne contributed. While the modern version of the recipe has evolved over the years, the core idea—a big, bold, cowboy-style casserole—is still very much intact.

This dish became a beloved classic in households across America, especially in the South and Midwest, for its approachable ingredients and knockout flavor.

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🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

John Wayne Casserole is made with pantry staples and common grocery items that, when layered, create an unforgettable dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 4 ounces sour cream
• 4 ounces mayonnaise
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cups biscuit mix
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeño peppers

🧀 Pro Tip: For best results, shred your own cheddar from a block—it melts better and gives a creamier finish than pre-shredded varieties.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these steps to build your layered masterpiece. It’s easy to prep and even easier to love.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning along with water according to the packet directions. Let it simmer briefly and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 4 ounces sour cream
• 4 ounces mayonnaise
• 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
• Half of the sliced onions

Mix until creamy and smooth. Set this aside as it will go near the top layer of the casserole.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Prepare the biscuit mix according to the box instructions (usually mixing with water to form a soft dough).

Pat the dough into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, pressing it about ½ inch up the sides to form a base crust. This creates a foundation that bakes into a golden, fluffy biscuit under all the delicious toppings.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté the remaining onions and the sliced green bell pepper over medium heat until slightly tender—about 4–5 minutes. This enhances their flavor and softens their bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the fun part—layering!

On top of the biscuit dough, evenly add the ingredients in this order:

1. Seasoned ground beef
2. Tomato slices
3. Sautéed green peppers and onions
4. Sliced jalapeños (adjust to taste for heat)
5. Sour cream and cheese mixture
6. Remaining shredded cheddar cheese

This layering ensures every bite is balanced, creamy, meaty, and just the right amount of spicy.

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuit base are lightly golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

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⏱️ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8–10
• Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex

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🌮 Tips for Best Results

• Customize heat levels: Use mild jalapeños or remove seeds if you want it less spicy. Prefer it hotter? Add chopped green chiles or a pinch of cayenne.
• Make it low-carb: Use a cauliflower or almond flour base instead of biscuit mix.
• Want it extra cheesy? Feel free to layer in more cheese between the meat and veggies.
• Add beans or corn: Black beans or corn kernels can be added for extra bulk and flavor.

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🍽️ What to Serve with John Wayne Casserole

While this casserole is filling on its own, here are some easy and tasty serving suggestions:

• Fresh green salad with avocado and lime dressing
• Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole
• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
• A cold cerveza or lemonade for the adults

🌟 Pro tip: Leftovers make an excellent lunch and reheat beautifully!

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🧊 Storing and Reheating

John Wayne Casserole is perfect for meal prep!

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the full pan in the oven at 300°F until hot throughout

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❤️ Why We Love This Casserole

This recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner:

• ✅ Easy to prep ahead
• ✅ Feeds a crowd
• ✅ Crowd-pleasing flavors
• ✅ Balanced textures (creamy, crunchy, tender)
• ✅ Comfort food with a kick

Whether it’s game night, a family potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, John Wayne Casserole is always the hero of the meal.

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📌 Final Thoughts

With its robust flavor, satisfying layers, and just the right amount of heat, John Wayne Casserole has earned its reputation as a go-to comfort food classic. It’s the kind of dish that reminds us why casseroles are so loved—they bring people together, satisfy even the hungriest appetites, and taste even better the next day.

So if you’re looking for a one-dish wonder that’s guaranteed to be devoured, this recipe is it. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again.

Don’t forget to save it—it’s a keeper!

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