This John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying. Packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a tangy sour cream-cheese layer, it’s all topped with golden, bubbly biscuits and melted cheddar. Every bite offers a comforting blend of creamy and crunchy textures, tied together with a robust Southwestern flavor.

Named after the iconic American actor known for his rugged cowboy roles, this casserole has a bold personality of its own. It’s a weeknight favorite that can be prepped ahead, and it’s especially welcome at potlucks or casual gatherings. If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, warming, and makes everyone ask for seconds, this is the one.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Actually, John Wayne Casserole doesn’t rely on puff pastry. Instead, it uses a fluffy biscuit topping. Canned buttermilk biscuits work beautifully and provide that golden, buttery crown. For a more rustic approach, feel free to mix up your own biscuit dough, but convenience often wins out—especially on busy nights.

Ingredients for the John Wayne Casserole

Ground Beef: This is the hearty base of the dish. Use 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor and juiciness.

Onion & Bell Peppers: Diced yellow onion and a mix of red and green bell peppers give sweetness, crunch, and color.

Taco Seasoning: Adds that warm, smoky Southwestern flair. You can use a packet or make your own.

Rotel Tomatoes (with green chilies): These canned tomatoes bring a bit of spice and a lot of flavor.

Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These blend into a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the beef and veggies.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect for melting and browning on top.

Refrigerated Biscuits: They bake up fluffy and golden, forming the crusty top layer.

Chopped Green Onions: Optional, but they add a fresh pop of color and bite when sprinkled on before serving.

How To Make the John Wayne Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Skillet Base

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, drain the excess fat. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the beef and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Season It Up

Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes (undrained). Mix well and let the flavors simmer together for 5 minutes. This forms the spicy-savory base of the casserole.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This layer adds tang and richness, balancing the meat mixture below.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the creamy cheese blend evenly over the top. Then, place uncooked biscuit dough rounds over the entire surface. Make sure they’re slightly overlapping for full coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake an additional 5 minutes to melt.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Serving and Storing Your John Wayne Casserole

This casserole is best served warm straight from the oven, when the cheese is bubbling and the biscuits are fresh and golden. Pair it with a simple side salad or a spoonful of guacamole to round out the meal. If you’re entertaining, it’s hearty enough to serve on its own and always a crowd-pleaser.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meat and creamy layers, assemble everything except the biscuits, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the biscuits and cook as instructed.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even chicken can work as a leaner substitute while still delivering great flavor.

What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?

If you can’t find Rotel, mix a can of diced tomatoes with a small can of chopped green chilies for a similar effect.

How do I know the biscuits are fully baked?

The tops should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center biscuit should come out clean. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.

Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze it before baking. Assemble everything, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the layers without overflow.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a creamy and satisfying option that’s full of vegetable goodness. Or try the Sloppy Joe Casserole, with bold flavor and a nostalgic twist.

For even more comfort food, check out the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole—a bubbly, cheesy blend of your favorite pizza ingredients baked in a dish. The Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is another hit, combining pasta and a luscious cream cheese layer for a weeknight dinner winner.

And don’t miss the Taco Bake Casserole if you enjoy a layered Tex-Mex style dish with zesty beef and plenty of cheese.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your casserole or comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try a homemade biscuit dough? Did you sneak in extra veggies? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others adapt it.

John Wayne Casserole

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty John Wayne Casserole layers taco-seasoned ground beef with colorful vegetables, a creamy sour cream-cheese blend, and golden biscuits topped with bubbling cheddar. It’s the perfect comforting bake for family dinners or potluck nights.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish. Layer the creamy mixture on top.
Arrange biscuit dough rounds on top, slightly overlapping.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and cooked through.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Let cool slightly, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner