John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Few recipes carry as much charm and rustic comfort as the legendary John Wayne Casserole Recipe. Named after the iconic cowboy actor himself, this dish captures the hearty, no-nonsense spirit of the Wild West while still delivering the cozy, family-friendly feel of a modern dinner. It’s one of those meals that looks as impressive as it tastes—layer upon layer of flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction.

At its heart, the casserole is built on a buttery biscuit crust that holds a savory beef mixture, zesty tomatoes, and green chilies. The real magic comes in with the creamy topping made of sour cream, mayonnaise, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. Once baked, the result is a golden, bubbly masterpiece that feeds a crowd and leaves no leftovers behind.

I first discovered this dish at a potluck, where it vanished before I could even grab seconds. Since then, it has earned a permanent place in my kitchen, not only because it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, but also because it has that wow factor when you set it on the table. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just craving something hearty after a long day, John Wayne Casserole is sure to deliver.

And if you’re into comfort food, you’ll also love our Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe or the cozy Basic Vegetable Soup—both perfect pairings for this Western-inspired meal.

Ingredients –John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Meat Layer

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 cup water

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)

• ½ cup chopped onion (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Layer

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed in)

Crust & Topping

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Directions – How to Make John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Step 1 – Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2 – Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until absorbed. Mix in Rotel and optional onions, cooking another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3 – Make the Biscuit Base
Press biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping if needed to form a full crust.

Step 4 – Assemble Layers
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup cheddar cheese, then spread over the beef layer. Top with remaining cheddar.

Step 5 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly, golden, and the biscuits are fully cooked through. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a bolder kick.

• Protein swap: Try ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken instead of beef.

• Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

• Cheese lovers: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar.

For more fun twists, check out our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs—another cheesy comfort dish worth trying!

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices for quick meals.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

Tools Used

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups/spoons

FAQs

1. Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
It’s said to be inspired by the Duke himself, as a hearty, cowboy-style dish that reflected his love for bold, filling meals.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts – John Wayne Casserole Recipe

The John Wayne Casserole Recipe is more than just food—it’s a piece of Americana that brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia straight to your table. With its biscuit crust, creamy topping, and bold beef filling, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rustic and indulgent.

Pair it with a refreshing Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad for a lighter side, or end the meal with a sweet bite like Lemon Cream Cake.

For more inspiration, explore comforting classics on Delish or browse AllRecipes for endless casserole ideas.

TINSUF RECIPES

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This John Wayne Casserole Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish with layers of biscuit crust, seasoned beef, creamy sour cream mixture, and plenty of melted cheddar. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Meat Layer:**
• - 1 lb ground beef
• - 1 packet taco seasoning
• - 1 cup water
• - 1 can 10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
• - ½ cup chopped onion optional
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• **Creamy Layer:**
• - ½ cup sour cream
• - ½ cup mayonnaise
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mixed into cream layer
• **Crust & Topping:**
• - 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 8-count
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• - Large skillet
• - Mixing bowls
• - Wooden spoon
• - Oven

Method

 

1. **Prep Oven & Pan**: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. **Cook Beef**: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer 5 minutes. Stir in Rotel and onion, cook 2–3 more minutes.
3. **Form Biscuit Crust**: Press biscuit dough into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
4. **Layer Ingredients**: Spread beef mixture over biscuits. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, and 1 cup cheddar; spread over beef. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
5. **Bake**: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly, golden, and biscuits are fully cooked.
6. **Serve**: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm.
7. 🕒 Time & Yield
8. - Prep Time: 10 minutes
9. - Cook Time: 30 minutes
10. - Total Time: 40 minutes
11. - Servings: 6–8

Notes

- Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby for a different cheesy flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.