John Wayne Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: With a biscuit base, seasoned beef, and melty cheese, this casserole is a complete meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

• Tex-Mex Flavor: The taco seasoning, peppers, and tomatoes with green chilies create a zesty, savory filling that’s rich in flavor.

• Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy topping and biscuit crust make it a comforting, all-in-one dish for any occasion.

• Perfect for Groups: This casserole is easy to prepare in a 9×13-inch baking dish, making it perfect for feeding a crowd at family gatherings or potlucks.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s an easy dish to whip up without complicated steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¾ cup whole milk

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

• ½ cup water

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 small tomato, sliced

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, then remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the biscuit crust.
Dollop and gently spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Arrange the tomato slices over the cheese.

6. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add corn, black beans, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling to give it an extra heat boost.

• Use a different cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a twist on the classic cheddar.

• Swap the ground beef: Ground turkey, chicken, also work well in this recipe for a leaner alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Can I substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a lighter mayo alternative if desired. For a dairy-free option, use vegan sour cream and mayo.

How can I make the crust flakier?

For a flakier crust, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. Consider refrigerating the dough for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the dish.

Can I add other seasonings to the beef mixture?

Feel free to add additional spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika to the beef mixture for more flavor depth.

What other toppings can I add?

Top the casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or even a dollop of guacamole for added flavor and color.

Can I use store-bought biscuits for the crust?

Yes, store-bought biscuit dough can be used as a shortcut for the crust. Simply press the dough into the dish as directed and bake.

Is this casserole good for leftovers?

Yes, John Wayne Casserole stores well and tastes just as good the next day. The flavors continue to meld together after sitting in the fridge.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, add more taco seasoning, chopped jalapeños, or some chili flakes to the beef mixture to increase the spice level.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust first before adding the beef mixture to ensure it cooks through and maintains its crispness.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its hearty layers of biscuit crust, seasoned beef, creamy topping, and zesty vegetables, this casserole is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether it’s for a family dinner, potluck, or game day, this easy-to-make dish will become a favorite in your recipe rotation.