John Wayne Casserole

Get ready for a serious flavor explosion with this John Wayne Casserole! It’s a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish that combines layers of seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a rich ranch sour cream topping, all baked over a biscuit crust. This casserole is perfect for feeding a hungry family, or even for meal-prepping some satisfying lunches. Plus, it’s so easy to put together comfort food at its best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Tex-Mex Flavors: The combo of taco-seasoned beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and jalapeños gives this casserole a delicious kick.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: Layers of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully, while the ranch-infused sour cream topping adds richness.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients on hand, making this a great go-to weeknight meal.

Ingredients for John Wayne Casserole

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef: Ground beef provides a meaty base for the casserole. You can swap with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 medium bell pepper, chopped: Use any color red, yellow, or green to add crunch and freshness.
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained: Brings a punch of flavor with mild heat.
1 packet taco seasoning: For that perfect Tex-Mex flavor profile.

For the Biscuit Crust:

1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits: These form the base of the casserole, offering a fluffy, slightly crisp texture.

For the Topping:

1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and balances the spice.
1 cup mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, this helps to create the perfect topping layer.
1 packet ranch dressing mix: Infuses the topping with herbs and a savory ranch flavor.

For the Cheesy Layer:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.

Optional (but highly recommended):

1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños: If you like a little heat, these jalapeños add a spicy kick!

How to Make John Wayne Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter. This will prevent your casserole from sticking to the dish as it bakes.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once it’s nearly cooked, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Base
While the beef mixture is cooking, open the can of refrigerated biscuits and spread the dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop the dish into the preheated oven for 5 minutes to pre-bake the biscuits. This helps them start to puff up and ensures they’ll bake all the way through later.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Remove the pre-baked biscuit crust from the oven. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Ranch Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Jalapeños
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. If you’re a spice lover, scatter the sliced jalapeños on top for some extra heat.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. The biscuit crust should also be cooked through by this time.

Step 9: Let Cool and Serve
Once done, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, beefy masterpiece with your favorite side dishes, or on its own for a filling meal.

Tips for Success

Pre-bake the biscuits: Don’t skip the step of pre-baking the biscuit layer. It ensures that the base isn’t doughy or undercooked.
Spice it up: If you love heat, feel free to double up on the jalapeños or add extra hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Make it your own: Feel free to add more veggies to the beef mixture, like corn, black beans, or even chopped zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.

Variations to Try

Chicken John Wayne Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken for a delicious twist.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or black beans and omit the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent layer of flavor, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the casserole before baking.
What to Serve with John Wayne Casserole
This John Wayne Casserole is already pretty hearty, but if you want to round out your meal, here are a few side ideas:

Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice: A side of rice complements the Tex-Mex flavors in this casserole perfectly.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Guacamole and Chips: A classic side that’s perfect for adding even more flavor to this delicious dish.
Storing and Reheating
To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire casserole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This John Wayne Casserole is more than just a dish with a catchy name it’s a full-on flavor explosion that combines cheesy goodness, taco-spiced beef, and a rich, creamy topping, all on top of a flaky biscuit base. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to be a hit at your table.