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!
There’s an interesting story about this casserole below, but what you really need to know is that it’s a delicious option for a dinner leftovers too!
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 jalapenos 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!)
Making this 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 15-25 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!
- I grew up eating beef stew. Turning it into a simple casserole, especially fun little single servings was easy to do. My Beef Stew Biscuit Pot Pie pictured below has become a family favorite. It’s a great way to combine comfort food and the ease of a casserole in one. It’s also perfect for leftover stew!
- One of my favorite casseroles of all time doesn’t actually have any meat in it. On top of it, yes, but not in it! I’m a potato lover through and through, and I live in Wisconsin, so cheese is pretty much inevitable. The first time I made these Bacon Topped Three Cheese Potatoes I knew they would be a hit.
- This Chicken Tostada Casserole is truly delicious. If you’re looking for something to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken in, try this enchilada flavored dish. I use homemade enchilada sauce, the recipe for that is available in the tostada casserole post as well. But if you prefer, you can use canned.
- I remember when I made this Sweet Italian Sausage, Pepper and Potato Bake for the first time. It was a recipe I developed on my own and it ended up with a bit too much liquid. But that did not stop us from eating the entire dish! In fact, it’s kind of like a stew and casserole in one!
- 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!
More from other blogs:
- Southwestern Tatertots Casserole from Tatertots & Jello
- Skinny Turkey Enchilada Casserole from DIY Candy
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and place your oven rack in the center. Spray a 13x9 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 15-25 minutes; 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.
- 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.
Video
Expert Tips & FAQs
Nutrition
This post was originally published here on Apr 22, 2015.
Amanda Formaro
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Patti says
Loved this so much… … my husband wanted to try tortillas on the bottom and was so good… otherwise same ….thank you
Gaynell Stanley says
Good tasting
anita says
Not a keeper. Ok but not great.
Tom Watkins says
Trued tis John Wye Casserole. Was bragging about how well l it turned out.. Several folks including my Nephew wanted a copy of the recipe. LOVE!
MARY MURRAY says
The story behind this recipe has long intrigued me so I couldn’t wait to try it. Was not disappointed. It is so yummy. There are many versions of this but I like how easy tis one is. Will make it again. LOVE
Pamela Grigsby says
I love this!!! I had a recipe for John Wayne Eggs over 30 years ago but lost it so I was so happy to see this and try it!! Truly Amazing! Love!!
Eva says
I’m going to try making this keto friendly by using low carb tortillas. Mission has wonderful 4 carb tortillas. That are super fluffy and delicious. I think we’ll love this but I’ll let you know tonight! John wayne is one of my favorite actors so we have to try it. Lol
Amanda Formaro says
Can’t wait to hear!
Victoria L Roberts says
My family enjoyed the John Wayne Casserole, it was very delicious, LLoved every bite of it. Loved it, love it
Tiffany says
Anyway to make this more Keto friendly, and low carb. I’m only allowed 21 net carbs daily.
Amanda Formaro says
You could simply skip the biscuit crust altogether. I eat a lot of low carb meals, and if I were going to make this low carb that’s what I would do. If you really want a crust, you could create one from riced cauliflower – https://amandascookin.com/cauliflower-pizza-crust/
JR says
Have you tried using low carb tortillas? I’m trying that today.
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t but I’m sure it would work :)
Jill Rhine says
Recipe is super tasty and pretty easy. Recommend for dinner tonight!
Sieglinde Langendorfer says
I made the John Wayne casserole love,love,love it
Donna Wall says
My husband & I loved it. I will barley cook the biscuits next time bc they were hard. Otherwise utterly delicious & my husband doesn’t like casseroles. He raved about how good it was.
Debbie S california says
I made keto biscuits on the bottom baked for about 15 minutes on 375°
The layered like the recepie said! Delicious..Lower carb
Jessica says
Thinking of doing a low carb version of this recipe without the biscuits. What do y’all think?
Maureen says
Scrumptious! Next time I make this, I’ll double it and put one in the freezer. Thank you for this fantastic recipe!
Terri Foster says
This should not be as good as it is! My husband and I love, love, love it! We use your homemade biscuit recipe and your homemade taco seasoning. This recipe is seriously delicious!
Lindy says
So I went crazy with this recipe. I added fresh chopped cilantro to the sour cream mixture. Added homemade zucchini tomatillo sauce to the hamburger. Used cheddar and pepper jack cheese, more like two cups. The biscuits I baked less then ten minutes before I layered the rest of the ingredients I cooked the onion and red pepper with the meat . I baked it for about 34 to 37 minutes. “PERFECTION “.
CarlA M Roberts says
This was delicious. Don’t precook the buns. I cut the pre-made buns into 4 and dropped them all over the pan. I then put all the toppings on and cooked for 37 minutes. It was perfect.
Brenda M Hawkins says
I’m allergic to wheat so can’t use canned biscuits, and just didn’t feel like making my own. BUT, I did have lots of potatoes, so I diced them small and actually baked them for about 20 by themselves, then followed the recipe from there. Really good, hubs went back for seconds.
Tammi says
Made this for dinner last night. After reading the comments, I barely cooked the biscuits maybe 12 minutes. We enjoyed it!
Glennda says
Hi Amanda,
I stumbled across your recipe, John Wayne’s Casserole the other night. And had a friend of mine help me make it. Much to our surprise, we LOVED IT. My friend said she wants to make it for her family one night. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome to hear, thank you!
Toni Crawford says
Very good! We buy our ground beef at Costco so I used one pkg at just under 1-1/2 lbs. I also adjusted the taco seasoning as we also buy this in a container at Costco and it turned out delicious. I will be making this again! Thank you!