What is the best casserole you have ever had? This John Wayne Casserole is seriously the ultimate comfort food. Think layers of savory, cheesy goodness with just a little bit of kick, all nestled in golden foil. Is it like a Tex-Mex lasagna? I remember my grandma making this for potlucks, and it was always the first thing to disappear. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, adding little touches here and there, and it’s become a real recipe. What is your family favorite Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!

What is John Wayne Casserole?

What exactly is this legendary Tex-Mex casserole? What are some of the best southwestern dishes? What’s essentially a biscuit base topped with ground beef, seasoned cheesy layer, creamy Sour Cream and melted cheese? The cream mixture, and then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. What is the name of a person? Legend has it that it originated in Arizona and was a favorite of the Duke himself! Whether or not that’s true, it definitely has that rugged, satisfying, “this will fill you up after you have finished” feeling. a long day on the ranch” kind of vibe. I love that it’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why I love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to adore this John Wayne Casserole!

First, let’s talk flavor. You’ve got the savory ground beef seasoned with taco spices, the creamy, tangy sour cream mixture, the melty cheese… it’s just an explosion of deliciousness in every bite! Seriously, my husband says it’s like a party in his mouth.

But beyond the taste, what I love most is how incredibly easy it is to make. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and it comes together in under an hour. No fancy techniques required! This one’s a lifesaver on those nights when you just can’t be bothered with an elaborate dinner.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the rest of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive. You can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s super versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking. Add some diced tomatoes or green chiles for extra flavor, use different cheeses, or even swap out the ground beef for Shredded Chicken or turkey. The possibilities are endless! I often compare this to my other favorite, enchilada casserole, but this John Wayne version is a little less saucy and a little more hearty. It’s the best of both worlds!

How do I make John Wayne Casserole?

Quick Overview

How do you make a John Wayne Casserole? How do you start by pressing biscuit dough into a baking dish. How do you layer ground beef with cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream? What are the advantages of baking it all until golden and bubbly? No pre-cooking the biscuits! They bake right in the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors. What’s the easiest casserole you’ve ever made?

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:
* 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (I usually use the flaky kind, but any will do)!

For the Beef Filling:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but regular works too)* 1 packet taco seasoning (use your own spices). What is your favorite brand? * 1/2 cup chopped onion (yellow or white) * 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and 1 cup water. Green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)

For the Cheese Layer:
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend) * 1 cup mayonnaise (I know, it sounds weird, I know). I know it’s weird, but trust me. ) * 1 cup sour cream (full fat or light, your choice)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you make a casserole that doesn’t stick? I usually use cooking spray, but you could also use butter or oil. Make sure you get all the corners!

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Press the biscuit dough into the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom completely. How do you make a crust? Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it will all bake together in the end! I always poke holes in the biscuit dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. What’s a greasy casserole? Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes

Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. What are some of the best flavors to meld together?

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix well. What is the best way to make a Chocolate Cake in the oven?

Step 6: Spread the Cheese Mixture

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface so every bite has that cheesy goodness!

Step 7: Bake!

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted. is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure biscuits don’t get too brown. Every oven is different!

Step 8: Let it Rest

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. How do you cut a casserole?

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into squares and serve hot. I like to top mine with sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and maybe some homemade ice cream. I’m a huge avocado fanatic. I like to eat avocados, but I

What should I serve it with?

This John Wayne Casserole is a pretty complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas for rounding.For a Tex-Mex FiestaServe with rice and beans, tortilla chips and salsa, and a margarita (or two! ).What is a simple weeknight dinner?What are some side salads with a light vinaigrette that cut through the richness of the casserole?For a Potluck:Bring along a big bowl of guacamole and some fresh fruit for an refreshing contrast.For a Game Day Gathering:Serve with wings, sliders, and plenty of cold beer! My family loves this with a simple corn and Black Bean salad on the side. Is there a way to add color and freshness to the plate? Is it safe to eat meat straight from the pan?

How do I make a John Wayne Casserole?

How can I take my John Wayne Casserole to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?Spice it Up:If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeos to the ground. I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce to my sour cream mixture for an extra kick.What is cheese, pleaseDon’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of queso fresco would be delicious in this recipe.Veggie Power: Add some chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. I find that adding veggies helps stretch the recipe even further, too!
Biscuit Bliss:If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own biscuits for the base. Is it worth it to do it?Make Ahead Magic: What are someCan you make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later? Can you store a bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours? Is it necessary to add an extra minute to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge?Don’t Overbake: The key to a perfect John Wayne Casserole is to not overbake it. The biscuits should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly, but you don’t want the biscuits to be dry or the cheese to be burnt.

I’ve learned that using a good quality taco seasoning makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. And trust me, don’t skimp on the cheese! The more cheese, the better.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This John Wayne Casserole stores really well.

Room Temperature: You can leave it out at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

I usually add a fresh dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro when I reheat it. It makes it feel like a brand new meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free biscuit dough and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well. There are tons of great gluten-free biscuit dough options available these days. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Do I have to use ground beef?

Nope! You can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian ground beef substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve even made it with leftover pulled pork, and it was amazing!

Can I add beans to this casserole?

Definitely! Black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition. Just stir them into the ground beef mixture before layering it onto the biscuits. It adds extra protein and fiber!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, I always recommend shredding your own cheese if possible. It melts much better and has a better flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose added to prevent clumping, which can affect the melting quality.

My biscuits are getting too brown! What should I do?

If your biscuits are browning too quickly, tent the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will prevent them from burning.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My family’s favorite John Wayne Casserole recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes, like my cheesy chicken and rice casserole or my veggie-packed lasagna. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think!