Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

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

 

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

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.

Instructions

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.

Notes

⏱️ Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Servings: 8–10

  • Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex

  • Author: niold.com