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
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ 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
- I highly recommend an oven thermometer. Your oven can actually bake hotter than what your knob is set at.
- Ovens vary, so be sure to keep an eye on the biscuit crust. It should only be very lightly browned, which may not take the full 12-15 minutes for everyone.
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.16 ounce can large biscuits
- 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.2 pounds ground beef, 1 ounce packet taco seasoning plus water listed on the back or my homemade taco seasoning
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of the cheddar cheese, and half of the onions. Stir well and set aside.1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 medium onion
- Saute remaining half of the onions and bell peppers on the taco meat pan until slightly tender.1 medium red bell pepper
- 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 4 ounces of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned and cheese is melted.2 medium tomatoes, 4 ounces canned sliced Jalapeno peppers
Nutrition
This post was originally published here on Apr 22, 2015.
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Mint Chocolate Lasagna - February 18, 2025
- Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers - February 12, 2025
- Pasta Method Rice - February 11, 2025
Michele says
Looks great can’t wait to makeup
Amy says
Made this last week and my family ALREADY wants it again tonight 😁 I made it as stated last week but will have to substitute green pepper instead of Red…. fingers crossed!!!
Linda says
I made it as the recipe stated but would make a few changes. I would use the smaller biscuits as it was too much dough, and add more ground beef. Other than that we really liked it. Very good and something different.
Cynde says
Though I made several changes to this recipe due to working with what was in my kitchen, I made this delicious recipe last week and it came out terrific. It was easy and fun and I will make it again. Thank you for the great idea!
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, I am so happy it was adaptable for you!
Becky says
So I can’t wait to try this! Getting the ingredients and having it this weekend…. but I have one complaint!…. you never filled us in on why it’s called the John Wayne Casserole!!? 😊
Amanda Formaro says
Oh there is a link in the post that gives the back story – it’s under the heading “Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?” :)
Kristin says
Can this be made ahead of time
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, assemble the whole thing, cover in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Rebecca says
Just thinking, I may try this with rice (mexican? Maybe) Sounds great as is!
TwoCents says
I made this from the recipe that doesn’t mention draining the meat. I also don’t buy taco seasoning, I make my own so I didn’t know how much water to add, so I added about 1/4 C., but I assumed I drain the meat so it didn’t matter. It seemed kind of dry at the end so I added a little of the meat fat/water. I don’t know why it’s supposed to be baked on a cookie sheet, but I followed directions and did it. As for the dish, I thought it was really tasty, but the directions were confusing. I didn’t understand why the pan should be wiped out after browning the meat. I actually used some of the liquid to cook the peppers and onions. I used a can of stewed tomatoes, drained, instead of fresh. Next time I’ll leave the juice in. All in all it was a nice change from the same ole, same ole.
Jeff says
Anyone try freezing it before final bake?
Sharon says
I made this with ground beef, and another time with shredded chicken. Love it both ways.! It definitely is in my rotation… Everyone loves this!
Amanda Formaro says
Oh I love that idea!
Emmi says
I made it with mashed potato, and the whole family loved it. It was delicious😀😃👌
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you guy loved it!
Judy says
We absolutely loved this!! Will be makinv it often!!
Amanda Formaro says
Yay, thank you Judy!
Donna says
I have a cookbook of different stars recipes. John Wayne liked tater tots with this recipe. Very cool!
Jill says
Can you do this in a ninja foodi
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Jill. I have not tried this in a pressure cooker before. If you decide to try, I’d love to hear how it went!
Tami C says
Delicious!! A new hit for the rotation
Amanda Formaro says
Glad to hear it, thank you so much Tami!
Charlene says
Easy hardy casserole! Will make again!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Charlene, I really appreciate that!
Elaine says
Absolutely delicious casserole, not to mention John Wayne is my favorite actor. Easy to make and my family loved it, it will be my go to recipe on Taco Tuesday from now on. Next time I make it I’m going to add black beans to it!
Amanda Formaro says
Love the idea of adding black beans. :) Thanks so much Elaine!
Melissa says
Y U M M Y ! ! !
This was delicious. Easy to follow directions w/ easy ingredients. I will keep this recipe for sure and make it again, and again.
I didnt have any biscuits, but i had a can of crescents and it turned out great. So i think you could use either. Next time i might try hasbrowns on bottom for a more gluten free option. But i dont think you can go wrong either way you try it, its so good!
Thank you for sharing it! ♥️♥️♥️
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome Melissa, thank you! Several people have asked about crescent roll dough, glad to hear it worked well. I like the idea of the hash browns too!
Holly says
The whole family enjoyed this
Amanda Formaro says
So glad to hear that, thank you!
Marialyce says
Made this, only change I used 16 oz of Mexican shredded cheese., instead of cheddar. Turned out great!! Will definely make this again.