John Wayne Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

John Wayne Casserole is filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck dish that combines meat, veggies, cheese, and creamy topping in every bite. You’ll love how the biscuit base holds everything together while soaking up the savory juices from the beef and creamy layers. This crowd-pleasing casserole is also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Onion, diced
• Green bell pepper, diced
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and green bell peppers until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half the cheddar cheese, and half the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
6. Press biscuit or crescent roll dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
7. Layer the cooked beef mixture evenly over the dough.
8. Spread the sour cream-cheese mixture over the beef.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Omit the biscuit base and bake as a crustless casserole.
• Chicken Option: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a twist.
• Veggie Version: Replace meat with black beans, corn, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Extra Toppings: Garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals.
• Freezer: Freeze baked casserole (or unbaked without the biscuit layer) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

The dish was inspired by a recipe the actor contributed to a charity cookbook. Over time, variations evolved into this popular Tex-Mex casserole.

Can I use crescent rolls instead of biscuits?

Yes, crescent roll dough works great as a base and gives a buttery, flaky crust.

Is this casserole spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can make it spicier or milder to taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, but you can use Colby, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Do I have to use mayonnaise in the topping?

Mayonnaise adds richness, but you can substitute with more sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The crust should be golden, and the cheese should be bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the biscuit layer should come out clean.

Can I add beans or corn?

Yes, black beans, pinto beans, or corn kernels are great additions to the beef layer.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Try a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely before freezing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with layers of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Easy to make and always satisfying, it’s a go-to dinner that brings bold flavors and classic appeal to the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this timeless dish is sure to be a hit.

John Wayne Casserole

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John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired layered bake featuring seasoned ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, and a creamy cheese topping over a biscuit or crescent roll crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s full of bold flavor and cheesy comfort.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Press biscuit or crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
7. Layer the beef mixture evenly over the dough.
8. Spread the sour cream-cheese mixture over the beef layer.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Great make-ahead dish—assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Pairs well with a simple green salad or tortilla chips and salsa.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 95mg