Have you ever heard of John Wayne Casserole? Delicious layers of ground beef, cheese mixture, fresh vegetables and Jalapeno peppers baked on top of a biscuit crust make for an amazing weeknight dinner!
Want to try this in the slow cooker? Try our Crockpot John Wayne Casserole!
John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Like my taco empanadas, this recipe is one of my top picks for dinner ideas that use ground beef. Casseroles are really popular, but it’s taken me up until the last ten years to really embrace them. This is one of my favorites, along with my Hamburger Casserole!
Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
Apparently, this John Wayne Casserole recipe has some interesting origins, including information on why it’s named what it is. Regardless of its origins, it’s a tasty dinner that your family will love. The jalapeños do not make this too hot, so don’t be too concerned about that. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Ingredients you will need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or you can use my homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 16-ounce can large biscuits (or homemade biscuits)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8-ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced Jalapeno peppers
- 13×9 baking dish (I just bought two of these and LOVE them!)
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
I used Pillsbury Grands biscuits. I’m sure a generic or store brand would be fine as well. I don’t think I would bother making biscuits from scratch for this since they are just going to get buried, but if you prefer to do that, here’s a recipe for homemade biscuits you can use.
Place biscuits in greased 13×9 pan in a single layer and press into the pan, joining them together, pressing the dough halfway up the sides of the pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake dough in preheated oven on the center rack for 12-15 minutes at 350 F; checking every few minutes after 15.
The dough should be very light brown where the edges are just starting to get color. Remove from oven and set aside, leave oven on.
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of onions. Stir well and set aside.
Combine the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and water, and cook according to packet instructions. Transfer cooked taco meat to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out pan.
Saute remaining onions and bell peppers on the taco meat pan until slightly tender.
On top of baked biscuit crust, layer ingredients in the following order: taco meat, tomato slices, bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
Hope you enjoy it, I know we did!
More Casseroles you might like:
A lot of people have commented below saying they love this John Wayne Casserole and it’s become a regular part of their recipe rotation. I have some more casseroles you’ll like as well. Try some of these and let me know!
- A very popular ground beef or lamb recipe is Shepherd’s Pie. It’s one of those comforting recipes, and one that’s been around for a long time. There are so many different versions of Shepherds and Cottage Pie. This is my take on the classic, and it’s one the whole family loves!
- One of our most popular dinners is this Mexican Chicken Casserole, hearty and full of delicious flavors.
- Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a hearty weeknight dinner the whole family will love thanks to its rich flavors and creamy sauce.
- Not only is this 7 Layer Casserole affordable but it’s quick and easy to make in a pinch.
- This creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a satisfying comfort meal.
- Cabbage Rolls are a true comfort dish stuffed with a variety of different flavors and textures.
- Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the creamiest, most satisfying pasta bake to date piled with parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
- Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for prepping ahead of time and freezing, making weeknights a breeze!
John Wayne Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning plus water listed on the back
or my homemade taco seasoning - 16 ounce can large biscuits
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper halved and sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced Jalapeno peppers
Before You Begin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and place your oven rack in the center. Spray a 13×9 glass baking dish.
- Place biscuits in pan in a single layer and press into the pen, joining them together, pressing the dough halfway up the sides of the pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake dough in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes; checking every few minutes after 12. The dough should be very light brown where the edges are just starting to get color. Remove from oven and set aside, leave oven on.
- While biscuits are baking, combine the browned ground beef with the taco seasoning and water, and cook according to packet instructions. Transfer cooked taco meat to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of onions. Stir well and set aside.
- Saute remaining onions and bell peppers on the taco meat pan until slightly tender.
- On top of baked biscuit crust, layer ingredients in the following order: taco meat, tomato slices, bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
Nutrition
This post was originally published here on Apr 22, 2015.
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Dark Chocolate Cake - March 26, 2024
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - March 25, 2024
- Chicken Parmesan - March 22, 2024
Donna Bailey says
This was really good! I halved the recipe since it’s just my husband and I. I think the secret to the biscuits not being tough is to make sure to put your baking dish on a sheet pan to cook the biscuits first. Then when you assemble the other ingredients on top of the biscuits, put the baking dish back on the sheet pan. I baked for 30 minutes and it came out perfect. Not tough or mushy. I cut the mayo and sour cream down to a 1/4 cup each since I halved the recipe, but next time I think I’ll do a half cup of each to make it more saucy. Thanks for a great recipe
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Susan says
I thought baking the biscuits twice made them way too hard. I will tweak today and see how it comes out.
dianne randolph says
I Just found this recipe on face book I Plan to make it for dinner soon it certainly sounds like it would taste very good thank you for sharing this recipe .
Amanda Formaro says
hope you enjoy it!
Tom says
Why is it called John Wayne casserole
Amanda Formaro says
This is what is linked in the post :) https://www.cooksinfo.com/john-wayne-casserole
ScottySauce says
Do not precook the biscuits. There’s absolutely no need to do that. Cook it all together!
Violet says
Can the pre-baking biscuit step really be left out? Does it not make the ‘crust’ mushy?
Rhonda says
Does this dish freeze and reheat well?
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried it, but based on the ingredients I think it would be fine. :)
Linda Matta says
Why is it called John Wayne casserole? They said it was a interesting story.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Linda :) There’s a link in the post – but here you go https://www.cooksinfo.com/john-wayne-casserole
Joyce Shelton says
Sounds good. I’m going to try this.
Betty Rinderknecht says
I just looked at the January Menu to see what’s for lunch. Lo and behold: John Wayne Beef Casserole. I live in housing for elderly here in Minnesota and was surprised to see this on the menu. Luckily I had signed up for lunch tomorrow and will try to remember to let you all know how I liked it and anything that I can add to the comments already posted here.
Stefanie Lemberg says
I made this a couple of days ago for my 15-year-old son and myself. Both of us loved it!! Because of my kiddo, I left out the jalapeños. Also, there is a reference in the recipe to the use of water when making the taco-seasoned beef; there is no mention of water in the ingredients, though. So, since the taco seasoning envelope calls for 2/3 cup, I added 1 cup of water to the browned beef in conjunction with the taco seasoning.
We are still enjoying the leftover casserole! Fantastic flavor!
Rob says
The water goes in with the beef and taco seasoning like it says on the package.
Lisa says
I made this tonight with a few “what I had on hand” substitutions. Crescent rolls instead of biscuits; drained canned stewed tomatoes instead of fresh; sweet mini peppers instead of red bell. Family loved it — this will definitely go in the rotation!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you all enjoyed it, thank you so much!
Sheila Balvin says
This is amazing and feeds a large group.
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you liked it, thank you!
Jo says
I made this today and it was so good except the biscuit crust was so tough. I could barely cut them. I used Grand biscuits. I precooked the biscuits for 20 minutes…maybe too long?
Amanda Formaro says
Possibly too long. They should be a very light brown. It’s hard because everyone’s ovens are different!
Julie says
I had the same experience. The biscuits were tough but the topping is delicious. Husband loved it and said it’s a keeper.
Lynda Smith says
i wouldnt cook the biscuits before hand,way too long,,
BRAD SOOTS says
LOOKS SPLENDID CANT WAIT TO MAKE AMANDA I LOVE THESE KIND OF RECIPES, MIGHT ADD SOME CUMIN TO THE BEEF HOWEVER I AM A CUMIN FAN LOL
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Brad, hope you enjoy it!
Lea Barlow says
#3 instructions , combine beef with taco seasoning and WATER but water not listed in ingredients and you do not say how much.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lea. Sorry for the confusion. it would be the water listed on the back of your taco seasoning packet. I am actually going to update the recipe to state that, and will also link my homemade taco seasoning recipe. Thanks!
Tonia Burkhart says
Can you make it without the biscuits for someone who don’t eat biscuits.
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, you can skip the biscuit crust. You will likely have to scoop out the casserole instead of slicing it is all :)
BRAD SOOTS says
TRY MAKING IT OVER SHREDDED HASH BROWNS, HMM I MIGHT TRY THAT MYSELF, PUT A FEW POCKETS IN THERE AND ADD A COUPLE EGGS THE LAST FOUR MINUTES FOR A SOFT EGG YUMMY
Carolyn Gilbert says
Sounds real good, but between the high sodium, high calories and high carbs, it would through us diabetics for a real loop. I would really love to try it but can’t
Juliana Danam says
My family loves this! I’m always looking for more ways to use ground beef and this one is a keeper.
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it Juliana, thank you!
Brenda says
This was pretty darn good for a crowd. Jalapeño was a tad to hot for my crowd and I only say that so people can switch out or eliminate if they don’t like heat. Dish was really really good! It’s on my keeper list! Thank you for it! 5 stars
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Brenda, so glad it was a success!
Jen Stone says
Oh my goodness, Amanda! This was very delicious! I made it on a Monday night for supper. My husband, a very picky eater, was hesitant to try this, but ended up eating ate half the pan! Then, on Wednesday morning, the same week, he requested it for supper. Then, Saturday morning, hd requested it for supper AGAIN! We had this almost every night in one week! I added spinach to the onions and peppers. I also, used pastry crust instead of biscuts.
Amanda Formaro says
That’s wonderful! So glad you both enjoyed it so much! :)
Toni says
Could you adapt this recipe to use tater tots instead of biscuits like the slow cooker version. Would you put them in the bottom or on top? Frozen or thawed?
Amanda Formaro says
Good questions! I haven’t tried that yet, but I would imagine that placing the frozen tots on the bottom as an alternate crust would work. Let us know if you try it!
Susan Davis says
I always look forward to your monthly Amanda’s Cookin…………….copied some of the recipes which I will try.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Amanda Formaro says
So great to hear, Susan! Thanks for stopping by :)
Mary Woodbury says
your printed recipe leaves out all of the instructions for what to do withy the sour cream mayo and cheese and onion.
Really is a bummer that the instructions leave out such an important part. Not everyone can run and look on the computer.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Mary, the instructions for the sour cream, mayo, cheese, and onion are in fact in the printed recipe as follows…
“In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of onions. Stir well and set aside.”
Then after that it states “On top of baked biscuit crust, layer ingredients in the following order: taco meat, tomato slices, bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned and cheese is melted.”
I hope this helps! Did your print off not include the directions with it? It’s there when I bring up the printable recipe on my computer. Let me know if I can help with anything! :)