John Wayne Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

John Wayne Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending savory ground beef, a zesty ranch topping, fluffy biscuit crust, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you're looking for a filling meal or something to impress at a potluck, this casserole checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 packet ranch dressing mix

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes and remove from heat.

4. Open the refrigerated biscuits and press them into an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Bake the crust for 5 minutes to avoid sogginess.

5. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base.

6. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Spread the mixture over the beef.

7. Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and optional jalapeños.

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden, and the biscuit crust is cooked through.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

• Swap the cheeses to your preference, or add pepper jack for extra heat.

• Omit the jalapeños if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well and lightens up the dish.

Do I need to use both cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Not at all. You can use just one type of cheese or substitute with pepper jack for more spice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

How spicy is it with jalapeños?

It adds a nice kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using fewer or no jalapeños.

Can I use a different type of biscuit?

You can use any refrigerated biscuit dough you prefer, such as flaky or buttery biscuits.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just bake it from frozen, adding a little extra time.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular biscuits, which are not gluten-free. You can substitute with gluten-free biscuits if needed.

Can I skip the mayo in the topping?

While it adds richness and creaminess, you can substitute it with more sour cream or Greek yogurt.

How can I make the casserole less greasy?

Drain the ground beef well after cooking to reduce excess fat.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Canned diced tomatoes with chilies work best for the flavor, but fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute if necessary.

Conclusion

John Wayne Casserole is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of comforting ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is bound to be a hit.

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John Wayne Casserole is a savory and indulgent comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef, a tangy ranch topping, a biscuit crust, and melted cheese. This hearty dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. With the option to add jalapeños for a spicy kick, it’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium bell pepper, chopped

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

1 packet taco seasoning

1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

1 packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeños (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.

• Stir in taco seasoning and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for another 3-5 minutes and remove from heat.

• Open the refrigerated biscuits and press them into an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Bake the biscuit base for 5 minutes to avoid sogginess.

• Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.

• In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Spread this mixture over the beef.

• Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and optional jalapeños.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden, and the biscuit crust is cooked through.

Notes

• You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• For more spice, you can replace the cheeses with pepper jack or add extra jalapeños.

• If you prefer a milder casserole, feel free to omit the jalapeños.

• To make this dish ahead, assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.