The Duke’s Famous John Wayne Casserole Recipe: Hearty & Scrumptious

Tucking into a hearty John Wayne casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Beef, cheese, and zesty peppers dance together in this iconic dish.

Southwest flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

Packed with robust taste, this casserole promises to become a family favorite.

Let’s uncover the delicious magic waiting in this classic recipe.

John Wayne Casserole Flavor Profile

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty casserole that brings everyone to the table with its bold southwestern flavors and satisfying meat-and-biscuit combination.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Perfect for busy families, this one-dish wonder comes together rapidly with minimal prep and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily adaptable recipe allows you to swap ingredients, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• Southern Charm in a Dish: Captures the rustic, homestyle cooking tradition with a playful twist on classic southwestern ingredients, making it feel like a nostalgic family gathering.

Ingredients Used in John Wayne Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the casserole.
• Onions: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Green Bell Peppers: Brings a fresh and slightly crisp texture to the beef base.

• Taco Seasoning: Provides a zesty and authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a tangy element to the meat mixture.
• Green Chilies: Introduces a mild heat and additional southwestern character.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and smooth base for the topping.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey texture and enhances the overall cheesy flavor.

• Biscuit Dough: Serves as the foundation of the casserole, providing a soft and fluffy bottom layer.

How to Make John Wayne Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

• Chopped onions
• Diced green bell peppers

Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked, then drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice Up The Mixture

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, zesty filling.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Layer

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Half of the shredded cheese

Mix until smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Build The Base

Spread biscuit dough across the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a golden foundation.

Step 6: Layer Like A Pro

Pour the beef mixture over the biscuit base. Spread the creamy cheese mixture on top.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese for extra decadence.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole chill for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your John Wayne Casserole!

Tips for John Wayne Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative.
• Use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise to reduce calories without compromising flavor.
• Enhance spice levels by adding jalapeños or using hot taco seasoning for extra kick.
• Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost vegetable content and nutrition.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations for John Wayne Casserole

• Tex-Mex Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option and enhanced flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Southwest Style: Substitute beef with black beans, quinoa, and additional bell peppers to create a hearty meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace biscuit dough with riced cauliflower or cauliflower crust to reduce carbohydrate content and add nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour biscuit dough to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the casserole's classic texture.

Serving Suggestions for John Wayne Casserole

• Tex-Mex Family Feast: Serve the casserole with a colorful side salad featuring crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Southwest Taco Night: Create a DIY taco bar alongside the casserole, offering additional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra sour cream for personalized servings.
• Hearty Cowboy Dinner: Pair the casserole with Mexican street corn (elote) and warm cornbread to complement the robust flavors and create a satisfying meal that honors its John Wayne-inspired roots.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Slice the casserole into easy-to-grab squares and serve as a crowd-friendly appetizer during sports watching parties or potluck gatherings.

Storage Advice for John Wayne Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety and preserve the dish's quality.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this casserole unique?

The combination of biscuit dough, ground beef, taco seasoning, and a creamy sour cream mixture creates a hearty and flavorful dish that blends Tex-Mex and comfort food styles.

• Is this recipe suitable for feeding a large group?

Absolutely! The casserole is easily scalable and can feed 6-8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives, maintaining the dish’s flavor profile while offering a lighter protein option.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning.

Cheesy John Wayne Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

John Wayne casserole combines Tex-Mex flavors with hearty ground beef and zesty toppings. Southwestern comfort beckons with layers of creamy cheese, crisp vegetables, and bold seasonings that comfort and satisfy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Dairy and Canned Ingredients:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chilies
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can refrigerated biscuit dough
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions and green bell peppers until meat is thoroughly browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and mild green chilies into the meat mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together for approximately 5 minutes over medium heat.
4. Create a creamy topping by whisking sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth and well-combined.
5. Arrange uncooked biscuit dough as a base layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
6. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the biscuit foundation, followed by spreading the sour cream blend across the top.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, creating a rich and enticing surface.
8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize the taco seasoning blend to control sodium and spice levels for personalized flavor profiles.
• Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
• Swap traditional biscuit dough with gluten-free or cauliflower-based crust options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg