The Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that combines Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting, hearty base. With seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables layered over a biscuit crust, this casserole is perfect for any family dinner or casual gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together everything I enjoy in one dish—flavorful meat, creamy layers, fresh veggies, and a golden biscuit base. It’s easy to assemble, full of texture, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt based on what I have in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4-ounce) jar sliced jalapeño peppers, drained (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- I press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish and slightly up the sides, then bake it for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. After draining the fat, I stir in taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
- I remove the meat from the skillet and use the same pan to sauté the onions and bell pepper until they're slightly tender.
- In a bowl, I mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the Cheddar cheese.
- On the baked crust, I layer the taco meat, tomato slices, sautéed vegetables, jalapeños if using, and the sour cream mixture. I top it all with the remaining cheese.
- I bake it uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- I like to swap the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian take, I use black beans and corn instead of meat.
- I sometimes add green chilies or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Swapping Cheddar for Pepper Jack gives the dish a bolder flavor.
- I also enjoy topping it with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, I freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, I use the microwave for individual servings or pop it in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep it the night before and keep it in the fridge. I just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
I mix my own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Is it possible to make this casserole without the biscuit crust?
Definitely. I sometimes use a layer of crushed tortilla chips or even cooked rice instead.
Can I add beans to this casserole?
Absolutely. I’ve added black beans or pinto beans in the meat layer for extra protein and fiber.
How do I make this less spicy?
I skip the jalapeños and use mild taco seasoning, and sometimes substitute plain diced tomatoes for any spicy versions.
Conclusion
The Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. I love how easy it is to customize and how satisfying each bite is. Once I made it the first time, it quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. Give it a try and see why it’s such a favorite!
Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
Description
This Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh vegetables, all baked over a golden biscuit crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty Tex-Mex inspired casserole is easy to make and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 (4-ounce) jar sliced jalapeño peppers, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Press biscuit dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain fat, stir in taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell pepper until slightly tender.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and half the Cheddar cheese.
- Layer in the baking dish: taco meat, tomato slices, sautéed veggies, jalapeños (if using), then the sour cream mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- Add black beans or corn for a heartier texture.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
- To reduce spice, omit jalapeños and use mild seasoning.
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