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
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JManchester says
This is absolutely amazing!! My husband was unsure about it until I told him it was called “John Wayne Casserole”! He had 2 plates of it and now asks for it weekly! I substituted banana peppers for jalapenos and it was delish!
Amanda Formaro says
Fantastic! So glad you both enjoyed it!
Beverly Coker says
It’s good that you let folks know you put banana peppers in it before hand. I am allergic to banana peppers & I break out in whelps the size of cantaloupes all over my body, have to go to the E/R, get on drip & be pumped full of steroids. It takes 2 weeks for it to work itself out of my system & it’s very painful.
Heather Bratten says
Made this for dinner tonight… Didn’t have biscuits so I used Pillsbury refrigerated pizza crust. Canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh sliced; and green peppers instead of red. Oh, and I used addressed pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. It was amazing! Thank you so much for such a great recipe :)
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Kat says
I made this last night and it was AMAZING! actually used a leftover meat/refried bean mix from burritos the night before. I think you could safely use half beef, half beans/refried beans because it was still delish! I also chose to use tater tots on the bottom because i forgot to pick up biscuits. Definitely a solid choice.
Thank you for the awesome recipe! It’s officially a house favorite.
Amanda Formaro says
Great idea using the leftovers!
Michael says
This sounds really good but it’s way to much food for a single man with no kids. It’s always hard cooking for 1 person. I’d love to try this if you have any ideas on how I can cut down on how much it makes.
Amanda Formaro says
You could easily cut the recipe in half and make it in a smaller pan. Then freeze extra portions :)
Joanne says
Amanda, if you cut this recipe in half, does it change the baking time?
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t think it would. Perhaps five minutes, but definitely not by much.
Marshall Jamison says
you have leftovers for the next night.
Krys says
You can freeze it in individual portions.
Sam says
Do you think this recipe would work with ground turkey, yogurt in place of the mayo and low fat sour cream? It looks so good, but we are trying to eat better
Sam says
I made it last night with the changes mentioned and it was delicious! I used ground turkey, non fat Greek yogurt in place of the mayo and low fat sour cream. The casserole has so many good flavors.
Amanda Formaro says
Oh love the changes, so glad you enjoyed it!
Ashleigh Lowe says
I just made this for dinner tonight omg i love it it is sooo good GREAT recipe !!!!!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you loved it Ashleigh!
Connie says
did the biscuits get soggy … I want to try this but it looks like the biscuits would get soggy …
Amanda Formaro says
No they don’t :)
Rosanne Robinson says
This looks like a hearty & delicious meal, I’m looking forward to trying it, thanks!
Jackie McLean says
I’m gonna try this but replace the tomatos with a couple cans of rotel tomatos. My husband doesn’t like sliced tomatos but he’ll eat rotel. Can’t wait to try it!!
Ben says
Looks like I’m making dinner tomorrow night
Sawyer Rodriguez says
staggering
Victory Schmidt says
Tried it last night. But made a couple of changes. I sauteed onions in meat while browning. I used ground turkey. And since canned biscuits are not gluten free, I tore up 2 dozen corn tortillas and lined bottom of dish with them. The family lived it.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, love how you adapted to make it work for your family :)
Charles Swift says
This looks wonderful!
Kim says
Do you think this will cook well without the biscuits? We don’t eat them, but everything else sounds delicious!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Kim. I’m sure it would!
Coco in the Kitchen says
This looks SO yummy!
I’m going to wait for a chilly night and bake one for my family.
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you enjoy it!
judy says
How many does this feed?
Amanda Formaro says
It should feed 6-8 depending on a person’s preference for portion size
Evelyn Brooks says
I love making your recipes they are wonderful delicious and pretty…………
Thank you for posting. This John Wayne’s’ recipes is the tops….
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Evelyn!
Ramona Ham says
I am so going to make this! Looks delish!! ~Thanks for the tutorial~
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Ramona, hope you like it!
Carmen says
Hi Amanda
Your John Wayne casserole looks and sounds absolutely delicious, BUT unfortunately, my husband won’t even let Jalapeno peppers or actually ANY kind of peppers even in the house. Can you recommend some kind of substitution? I ask you because I hate to cook and do as little of it as I can. LOL
Carmen
Amanda Formaro says
I would just leave them out Carmen. They are not detrimental to the dish :)
Linda says
These photos are just wonderful! I love the “step-by-step” photos showing all the layers…everything looks delicious! Congrats on your great photography!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Linda, that’s so nice of you!
Jenny says
Looks great! Do you know if it freezes well?
Amanda Formaro says
i have not tried freezing it. If you do I would love to hear how it went!