John Wayne Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire after a long day on the range—even if you’re just at your kitchen table on a busy weeknight. This layered, crowd-pleasing meal is named after the legendary cowboy actor, and while he didn’t invent it, a version of it was featured in a 1970s cookbook to which he contributed. Since then, the dish has taken on a life of its own, becoming a comfort food staple in many American homes.
With its savory beef, warm spices, creamy topping, and biscuit base, it’s everything you want in a baked casserole—rich, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.
What Is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole is a layered dish that typically begins with a soft, biscuit crust. On top of that sits a spicy and savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, peppers, and tomatoes, followed by a creamy layer made of mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s topped with more cheese and baked until golden, bubbly, and irresistibly delicious.
Despite the name, this recipe isn’t about cowboys and shootouts—it’s about comfort, flavor, and simplicity. You’ll find it especially popular at potlucks, family dinners, and even holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and can be prepped in about 15 minutes with a 30-minute bake time. Here’s everything you need to bring it to life:
For the Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Layer
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed into the cream)
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
2. Season the Beef
Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and optional chopped onion. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and fragrant. Season with a little salt and pepper if desired.
3. Form the Biscuit Crust
Open the biscuit dough and press the biscuits evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can overlap and press them together so they form a complete base, covering the entire bottom of the dish.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base.
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this creamy mixture gently over the meat layer with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top to finish it off.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly. The biscuits should be golden and cooked through underneath.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Customizations and Substitutions
One of the best things about John Wayne Casserole is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Try These Variations:
- Use Ground Turkey or Sausage: A leaner ground meat works just as well and adds a unique flavor.
- Add Heat: Toss in chopped jalapeños or use hot Rotel to spice things up.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute and skip the taco seasoning in favor of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Biscuit Alternatives: Don’t have biscuit dough? Use a layer of cornbread batter or even crescent rolls for a different base.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Meat Thoroughly: Excess grease will make the casserole greasy and prevent the crust from baking properly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the top. Once the cheese is golden and bubbly and the biscuits are cooked through, it’s ready.
- Let It Rest: Just a few minutes of rest time allows the casserole to set and makes slicing easier.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Easily double the ingredients and bake in two pans.
Serving Suggestions
John Wayne Casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides for a truly complete dinner:
- Crisp garden salad with ranch or lime vinaigrette
- Seasoned black beans or corn on the cob
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Mexican rice or Spanish-style rice
Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of biscuits work best for the base?
Refrigerated buttermilk or homestyle biscuits work great. You can also use a homemade Bisquick dough or crescent rolls if preferred.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely. Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Is it spicy?
That depends on the Rotel and taco seasoning you use. Choose mild or original versions if you want less heat. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Can I make it without mayo?
Yes. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with extra sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt.
How do I know the biscuits are cooked through?
Gently lift a corner of the casserole with a spatula—if the bottom is golden and firm, it’s done. You can also insert a toothpick in the biscuit layer; it should come out clean
Final Thoughts
John Wayne Casserole isn’t just a quirky name—it’s a bold, satisfying dish that blends Southwestern flavors with good old-fashioned comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just to try something new, this layered bake is guaranteed to win fans at the table. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable, easy to make, and hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd.