John Wayne Casserole: A Hearty, Cheesy, Tex-Mex Classic
If you love comfort food with bold flavors, the John Wayne Casserole is about to become one of your new favorites. This beefy, cheesy, slightly spicy casserole is packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, cheddar cheese, and zesty tomatoes, all baked together into a golden, bubbling delight.
This dish has been a staple in family kitchens for decades and is believed to be inspired by the legendary actor John Wayne himself. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
What Is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, layered dish made with:
- A base of biscuit dough or crescent rolls
- Seasoned ground beef
- Creamy sour cream and mayo mixture
- Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and bell peppers
- A gooey topping of melted cheese
The flavors in this dish are bold, slightly spicy, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s like a taco, cheeseburger, and lasagna hybrid—all in one casserole dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and one baking dish.
✔ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love this cheesy, beefy casserole.
✔ Great for Potlucks – A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings.
✔ Comfort Food Classic – Layers of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
✔ Customizable – Make it spicy, mild, or even vegetarian!
Ingredients for John Wayne Casserole
This recipe is made with basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Base:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or crescent rolls)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pickled jalapeño slices (for garnish, optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish, flattening it evenly to form a crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Drain excess grease, then mix in the Rotel tomatoes and diced jalapeños.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooked beef layer in the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit crust.
- Add the creamy sour cream and mayo mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top with pickled jalapeños and a pinch of black pepper and paprika for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best John Wayne Casserole
✔ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
✔ Drain the Beef Well – This keeps the casserole from getting too greasy.
✔ Pre-Bake the Biscuit Layer – Helps the bottom stay firm and not soggy.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Add extra jalapeños or cayenne for heat, or leave them out for a milder version.
✔ Let It Rest Before Serving – This allows the layers to set for easier slicing.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
1. Tex-Mex Style
- Add black beans and corn to the beef layer.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- Drizzle with salsa or taco sauce before serving.
2. Low-Carb Version
- Skip the biscuit base and replace it with a layer of roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the creamy layer.
3. Vegetarian John Wayne Casserole
- Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Add extra bell peppers and mushrooms for heartiness.
4. Extra Cheesy Version
- Mix cream cheese into the sour cream layer for extra richness.
- Top with Monterey Jack and mozzarella for more gooeyness.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
What to Serve with John Wayne Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs well with:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Cornbread or Garlic Bread
- Coleslaw or Green Salad
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole
- Pickled Jalapeños for extra heat
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
It’s rumored that John Wayne contributed a recipe to a charity cookbook in the 1970s, which evolved into this famous dish.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
4. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach work great.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner version.
Final Thoughts
John Wayne Casserole is cheesy, beefy, slightly spicy, and irresistibly comforting. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and golden biscuits, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, this casserole is easy to make, satisfying, and full of flavor. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best Tex-Mex casseroles ever!