The Legendary John Wayne Casserole Recipe: Cowboy Comfort Food

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this John Wayne casserole that packs a punch of southwestern flavors.

Layers of hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal for anyone seeking bold tastes.

Ranch-style seasoning and ground beef create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a culinary adventure.

Crispy toppings add unexpected texture to this classic dish that honors its iconic namesake.

Cheese melts into every delicious corner, ensuring each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

You can assemble this crowd-pleaser in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Dive into a meal that brings excitement to your dinner table and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

John Wayne Casserole – Classic Hearty Remade

• Savor Creamy Comfort: A luxurious blend of cheeses creates an indulgent, smooth texture that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Conquer Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Guaranteed to satisfy everyone from picky kids to hungry adults, this casserole offers universal appeal with its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Transform Leftover Chicken: Brilliantly repurposes cooked chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a complete meal in one pan.

All The Ingredients For John Wayne Casserole

• Biscuit Dough: A quick and easy foundation that creates a crispy bottom layer for the casserole.

• Ground Beef: The hearty main protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and a zesty southwestern kick to the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings bold southwestern flavors to the ground beef.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that adds richness to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a golden, gooey topping.

• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Make John Wayne Casserole In Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 2: Create a Biscuit Base

Grab your biscuit dough and press it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Create a smooth, even layer that’ll serve as the foundation of your casserole. Pop it in the oven for a quick 5-7 minute pre-bake until it turns a light golden color.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, start browning your ground beef over medium heat. Once it’s looking deliciously golden, drain away the extra fat.

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they’re tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Some Zesty Tomatoes

Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Topping

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit base.

Then, dollop the creamy sour cream mixture on top.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole.

Add some extra diced green chilies if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top with melted cheese that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 9: Finish with Flair

Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Winning Kitchen Tips For John Wayne Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of this hearty casserole.
• Pat the biscuit dough dry before pressing into the dish to prevent a soggy bottom and ensure a crispy crust.
• Enhance flavor by adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin to the beef mixture for extra depth.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

John Wayne Casserole Twists You’ll Enjoy

• Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use pepper jack cheese, add black beans and corn for extra southwestern flavor.
• Vegetarian Southwest Bake: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or roasted black beans, increase bell peppers and add zucchini for hearty vegetable content.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Version: Mix cream cheese with sour cream, add diced fresh jalapeños, use crispy bacon bits on top for extra crunch and heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired Remix: Use ground lamb instead of beef, substitute cheddar with feta cheese, add oregano and diced kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair.

Sides For The Classic John Wayne Casserole

• Transform this casserole into a party-style meal by serving with colorful sides like Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, and zesty corn salsa. Create a build-your-own station where guests can add extra toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce.
• Pack this casserole in a portable container for outdoor adventures. Pair with crisp green salad and chilled beer for a rustic cowboy-style dinner. Perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings where comfort food meets casual dining.
• Slice the casserole into squares and serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Add a side of salsa and crispy bacon for a weekend brunch that feels indulgent yet satisfying. Kids and adults will love this easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Store John Wayne Casserole For Later Enjoyment

• Cool the casserole completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a quick meal another time.
• Keep refrigerated portions for 3-4 days, ensuring the best taste and texture when reheated carefully.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for John Wayne Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, biscuit dough, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onions, and bell peppers.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from taco seasoning and green chilies, but you can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild taco seasoning or reducing the amount of green chilies.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty John Wayne casserole delivers a robust Tex-Mex flavor profile packed with ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this classic southwestern dish that satisfies hungry families with its delicious layered ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1.5 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuits or homemade biscuit dough

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Gently press biscuit dough into a greased 9×13-inch dish, creating a uniform base layer. Briefly bake for 5-7 minutes until pale golden.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become tender.
4. Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the shredded cheddar cheese in a separate mixing bowl, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Distribute the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the partially baked biscuit foundation.
7. Spread the prepared sour cream mixture over the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Generously sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and optional green chilies across the top for added texture and zest.
9. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and cheese transforms into a golden, melted blanket.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions immediately before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the casserole’s hearty flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and draining beef thoroughly to minimize excess fat and salt content.
• Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal prep.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning, adjusting green chili quantities, or adding jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg