The Cheesy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish layered with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. Inspired by the flavors of the Southwest, this crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals when you’re craving something comforting and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layers of cheesy, meaty, and savory goodness.
- Simple ingredients make it budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- A comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or add-ins.
- Perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Bell peppers (diced, any color)
- Taco seasoning mix
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel, drained)
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside. - Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced bell peppers, taco seasoning, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. - Prepare the Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside. - Mix the Biscuit Base
In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the beef layer in the casserole dish. - Layer and Bake
Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the biscuit layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbly. - Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use spicy taco seasoning and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat.
- Mexican Twist: Add a layer of refried beans or cooked rice under the beef mixture for extra substance.
- Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for added flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. What is John Wayne Casserole?
It’s a layered casserole with Southwestern flavors, featuring ground beef, cheese, and biscuit mix, named after the famous actor John Wayne.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.
3. What can I substitute for biscuit mix?
You can use homemade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough as a substitute.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Corn, black beans, or zucchini would make great additions.
5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The edges will be golden brown, and the biscuit layer should be fully cooked. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean.
6. Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, shredded or diced cooked chicken is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
7. What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional, but you can mix it with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for more flavor.
8. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve it with a side salad, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in two 9×13-inch dishes for larger gatherings.
Conclusion
The Cheesy John Wayne Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With layers of savory beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy biscuit base, it’s an easy and satisfying recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving a crowd, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious Southwest-inspired flavors!
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 servings
- Yield: Main Course
- Category: Baking
- Method: Southwestern-American
Description
This Cheesy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish made with layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, fresh veggies, and a fluffy biscuit base. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is bursting with Southwestern-inspired flavors!
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Biscuit Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water to form a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Vegetables:
- Spread the diced onion, bell pepper, tomato, and green chilies evenly over the biscuit base.
- Add the Beef Layer:
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the vegetables, spreading it out evenly.
- Mix the Cheese Topping:
- In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Top with More Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *