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

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking

Print Recipe

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.

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.