John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines classic Southwestern ingredients in a comforting layered bake.

With a biscuit crust as the base, it’s loaded with seasoned taco meat, vibrant vegetables, creamy sour cream, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, it’s simple to customize with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold Flavors: The combination of seasoned taco meat, creamy sour cream mixture, and melted cheddar cheese delivers a savory, flavorful punch.

Comforting Layers: With a biscuit crust as the base and vibrant layers of fresh vegetables, this casserole is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness with jalapeños or add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or cilantro.

Perfect for Gatherings: It’s easy to make, serve, and share, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or potluck events.

Filling and Satisfying: This dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a complete and hearty meal.

Key Ingredients:

Ground beef (cooked and drained)

Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Large biscuits (for the base)

Sour cream and mayonnaise (for the creamy layer)

Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Onion (sliced)

Tomatoes (sliced)

Red bell pepper (sliced)

Canned sliced jalapeño peppers (for a spicy kick)

John Wayne Casserole

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained

1-ounce packet taco seasoning, prepared with water as directed on the packet (or use homemade taco seasoning)

16-ounce can large biscuits

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 medium onion, sliced thinly

2 medium tomatoes, sliced

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips

4 ounces canned sliced jalapeño peppers

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare the Crust:

Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread the biscuit dough evenly in the dish, pressing it into a single layer that goes halfway up the sides. Bake for 15–25 minutes on the center oven rack, checking regularly after 15 minutes. The crust should be lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside, leaving the oven on.

Cook the Taco Meat:

In a skillet, combine the ground beef with taco seasoning and water. Cook as per the seasoning packet’s directions, stirring until well coated. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set aside.

Mix the Creamy Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half the sliced onions. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet used for the beef, sauté the remaining onions and bell pepper slices over medium heat until softened slightly.

Assemble the Casserole:

On top of the baked biscuit crust, layer the ingredients in this order: taco meat, tomato slices, the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture, jalapeños, the creamy sour cream mixture, and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

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Final Bake:

Place the casserole back in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted and the crust edges are golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with your favorite toppings like guacamole or salsa for an extra kick!

Enjoy this satisfying and cheesy casserole!

Notes:

Make it spicier: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add extra jalapeños or include some of the pickling juice for added heat.

Customize the toppings: Feel free to adjust the toppings. You can add more veggies like corn, olives, or even avocado for a fresh touch.

Substitute for sour cream: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative with a tangy flavor.

Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well! You can prepare it in advance, freeze it after assembling, and bake it later for an easy weeknight meal.

Make it meatless: For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like black beans or lentils, and add extra veggies.

Check the biscuit dough: Be sure to watch the biscuits carefully as they bake. You want them to be light and golden, not overly browned, as they will cook further in the oven.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian option.

Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly if you choose a different meat.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, but you might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Definitely! If you love spice, you can add more jalapeños, use spicy taco seasoning, or even add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream mixture to kick it up a notch.

Can I freeze John Wayne Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, or bake it straight from frozen (just add extra baking time).

Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.

Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

Do I have to use canned biscuits, or can I use homemade biscuit dough?

While canned biscuits are the most convenient option for this recipe, you can absolutely use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer.

Just make sure the dough is rolled out to the same thickness as the canned biscuits to ensure it bakes evenly.

Can I substitute mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes! Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for both mayonnaise and sour cream, providing a slightly tangy flavor while still keeping the creamy texture. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

How do I prevent the biscuit crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, ensure that the biscuits are baked until they are lightly golden and cooked through before adding the toppings.

Additionally, avoid overloading the casserole with too much sauce or liquid to help the biscuit crust stay crisp.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! You can swap out cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Just make sure you use cheese that melts well for that gooey, cheesy texture.

How can I make this casserole less spicy for kids or those who don’t like heat?

If you want to make the casserole less spicy, you can omit the jalapeños or use mild bell peppers instead.

You can also use a mild taco seasoning and substitute sour cream for a cooling topping to balance the heat.