This hearty casserole brings all the bold, comforting flavors of the Wild West—no campfire required. Named after the legendary cowboy John Wayne, it’s a layered, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights. With seasoned beef, zesty accents, a creamy cheese layer, and a buttery biscuit crust, it’s a meal that satisfies every appetite.
What is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole is a warm, layered dish starting with a soft biscuit base, followed by taco-seasoned ground beef mixed with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and onions. A rich, creamy layer of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese sits on top, finished off with an extra layer of melty cheese. The result is a comforting, flavorful casserole that’s both filling and fun to serve.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
Ground beef – 1 lb
Taco seasoning – 1 packet
Water – 1 cup
Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained – 1 can (10 oz)
Chopped onion (optional) – ½ cup
Salt and pepper – to taste
Creamy Layer
Sour cream – ½ cup
Mayonnaise – ½ cup
Shredded cheddar cheese (mixed in) – 1 cup
Crust & Topping
Refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count) – 1 can
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) – 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease.
2. Season the Beef
Stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Add the drained Rotel and optional chopped onions. Cook another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Base
Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping as needed to cover the entire base.
4. Layer the Casserole
Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the biscuit layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the biscuit layer is fully cooked.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.