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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Carol says
I made this casserole going strictly by the recipe for my Dads Fathers Day dinner. It was a hit and we devoured the entire casserole along with a side salad! He’s kinda picky but absolutely loved it! I put a spoon full of sour cream on my portions and OMGoodness! This John Wayne casserole was definitely a delicious hit!
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome Carol, I am so glad you guys loved, especially your dad!! :)
Lynn says
I’m confused . The directions say to halve and slice the bell pepper and onion. Am I only supposed to use half of each?
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry for the confusion! No, you use the entire onion and bell pepper. The instruction is to halve it, so cut it in half, and then cut the halves into strips. Hope that helps!
Lisa Goodman says
Can I use salsa instead of tomatoes?
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see a reason that you couldn’t :)
Patricia says
Made this for dinner last night and my husband and I enjoyed it thoroughly! Very good!
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray, so glad you loved it!
Lynn says
Made this for dinner tonight! It was absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely make it again!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Lynn! So glad to hear it :)
Becky says
I thought this was really good and I will make it again. Next time I think I’ll use crescent rolls instead of biscuits and use 2 packs of taco seasoning. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Katlyn says
The casserole part was great. But the crust of biscuits was WAY overcooked. I think cooking the biscuits for a minimum of 45 min ( as the recipe states) is wayyyyy too long. The Crust came out like a hockey puck.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Katlyn. I’ve made this recipe multiple, and so have many others. I even asked a friend of mine to test it for me just the other day and the biscuits were fine for her. So my thought is that your oven may be cooking hotter than your temperature dials says. I would recommend getting an inexpensive oven thermometer and check the temp before baking. Also, be sure the oven rack is centered.
COURTNEY Koopman says
How many calories would be in a cup?
Amanda Formaro says
This recipe makes 10 servings, with 607 calories per serving. I have not portioned it out by cup.
Lynae says
I just made this it is a hit
Amanda Formaro says
So glad to hear that, thank you!
Jessica says
Loved this casserole!! My husband’s new favorite.
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray! :)
Amber says
Looks good.
Carolyn says
One of the worse casseroles I’ve ever tasted. The biscuit flavor did not work well. Cresent rolls would have been better. And, 2 pkg of taco mix, cooked down, would have offered more liquid. It was time consuming, work, $$$, and not work it. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry you didn’t enjoy it! Everyone has different tastes.
Michelle Jackson says
Could you use crescent dough instead of biscuits?
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t see why not. They are more delicate so you might want to reduce the baking time.
Jerry jensen says
Looks really yummy
Deborah Sharp says
In step 6, what is the temperature for the casserole to be cooked.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Deborah! Same temp as in Step 1. 350 F :)
Selma Seery says
Doesn’t say how long to cook finished recipe I’m cooking till cheese is melted thru
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Selma. The recipe says “Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned and cheese is melted.” – so I’m confused by your comment. It’s in step 6.
Mandy says
I smiled when I saw this. A friend and her late husband frequently entertained the members of his classic gun lovers club. A lunch dish everyone liked a lot was actually a quiche but obviously you can’t offer a bunch of Texas gun collectors “quiche”. So it went under the pseudonym of ” John Wayne Pie ” and all was well.
Robin says
Can regular biscuits be used instead of the grand biscuits?
Amanda Formaro says
That should be fine!
Carolyn Swank says
Make John Wayne Sherpard pie sometimes it’s delicious. Like to try some of other recipes you mention here have some picky Grandsons on lock down with me. Thanks for sharing with us.
Amanda Formaro says
I’ve never heard of that one, would love to try it!
carol masse says
my family loves this. it’s easy you pretty much have everything in your pantry. I used salsa instead of cutting up the veggies to give it extra kick.
carol masse says
I also added fiesta corn to the mix
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray, so glad you guys love it, thank you Carol!
David H says
If you precook the biscuits & then again after adding the other ingredients, won’t the biscuits get hard & dried out?
Do I need to “precook” per the receipe?
Amanda Formaro says
I’ve had readers say they have done it both ways. When prebaking the biscuits it creates a sturdy crust for the ingredients you will pile on next. The moisture in those ingredients should keep the biscuits from getting hard.
Vonda Johnson says
My husband loved this, but because I used 2 lbs. ground beef, I used 2 packs of taco seasoning and doubled the water. It came out perfectly. I will definitely make this again!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you guys loved it!