Name: John Wayne Casserole
Prep time: PT-486619H25M25S
Cook time: PT-486619H25M25S
Total time: PT-486619H25M25S
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef (85–90% lean); 1 oz taco seasoning packet (or homemade blend); ¾ cup water; 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits or biscuit mix; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 1 medium onion, halved and sliced (or diced); 1 red (or green) bell pepper, halved and sliced/diced; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced (or diced); 1 jar/jar (4 oz) sliced jalapeños or canned green chilies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Layers: Taco-seasoned beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and tangy creamy cheese layer perfectly with biscuits and melted cheddar.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prep and satisfying for all ages. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Versatile & Adaptable: Easy to switch up ingredients—add corn, Rotel, different meats, or cheese blends to suit your taste.

Ingredients

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

2 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 oz taco seasoning packet (or homemade blend)
¾ cup water
1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits or biscuit mix
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 medium onion, halved and sliced (or diced)
1 red (or green) bell pepper, halved and sliced/diced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced (or diced)
1 jar/jar (4 oz) sliced jalapeños or canned green chilies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Form the crust: Press biscuits (or biscuit dough from mix) into the dish, covering bottom and halfway up sides. Bake for ~12–15 minutes until lightly browned. Keep oven on.
Cook beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef; drain. Add taco seasoning and water; simmer per packet (~3–5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, wipe skillet.
Sauté veggies: In same skillet, sauté half the onions and bell pepper until tender.
Creamy cheese mix: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half the cheddar cheese, and remaining onions.
Layer casserole: On baked crust, layer beef, tomato slices, sautéed pepper-onion mix, jalapeños, creamy mixture; top with remaining cheddar.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust edges golden. Let rest ~5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–12
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~40 minutes for the crust + ~30–40 minutes to bake
Total time: ~1 hour–1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or game meat for a lighter protein.
Substitute Mexican blend or Pepper Jack cheese for extra melty texture or spice.
Swap out jalapeños for Rotel (tomatoes with chilies) or plain canned tomatoes for milder flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using a potato hash or gluten-free biscuit mix.
Add corn, as some versions do, for sweetness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freeze fully baked casserole for up to 3 months (wrap tightly). Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until hot.

FAQs

What’s the origin of John Wayne Casserole?

It began as an egg-and-cheese dish contributed by John Wayne to the 1979 cookbook Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends, compiled by Cara Connery for charity. The modern beef-and-biscuit version was later popularized in the University of Mississippi Medical Center cafeteria.

Can I use homemade biscuits?

Yes! Refrigerated biscuits are convenient, but homemade biscuits work fine too—just press them into the dish the same way.

Can I skip the biscuit layer?

Some folks skip it and serve the rest over tortilla chips for a nacho-style dish.

How do I make it spicier or milder?

For more heat, use jalapeños or hot Rotel; for milder, use plain tomatoes or mild taco seasoning.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it, refrigerate unused portion for up to a day, then bake when ready. Fully baked versions freeze well too.

What cheese is best?

Classic recipes use cheddar; many versions blend cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for extra melt and flavor.

Is it gluten-free?

No, with typical biscuits it’s not GF. To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free biscuit mix or layer with hash browns or GF crust alternatives.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure—replace beef with vegan meat crumbles or seasoned beans, and keep all other layers the same.

How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?

Store in fridge up to 3–4 days. Discard after that for safety.

Can I freeze before baking?

Less common, but you can assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw in fridge, then bake extra time. Baking fully before freezing is more reliable.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a nostalgic, satisfying dish with layers of flavor and texture—great for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With flexible options for crusts, proteins, spices, and cheese, it’s easy to adapt it to your crowd’s preferences. Serve it alongside a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete, comforting meal.