Name: John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning; ¾ cup water; 1 medium onion, halved and sliced; 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced; 1 (4 ounce) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (Optional); ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 71 reviews

If you’re craving something truly satisfying that combines heartiness with bold flavors, the John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish has it all: layers of seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, creamy cheese, and a golden biscuit crust that comes together like a warm hug. Inspired by the rugged spirit of the American West, this casserole is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving up dinner for the family or need a comforting dish for a gathering, this classic recipe delivers that unbeatable taste of homey indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white oval dish with three layers: the bottom layer is cooked ground beef in a brown color, the top left layer is slices of red bell pepper, and the top right layer is slices of green jalapeño peppers. Next to the dish, there is a small white bowl filled with white cream, a small glass jar of light brown sugar, a white ramekin with shredded white cheese, and a glass bowl holding small red tomatoes with a spoon inside. In the background, there is a white basket lined with white cloth holding several golden brown biscuits. The whole setup is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in the John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together a blend of textures and flavors that are both bold and comforting. These simple staples are easy to find and each one adds a unique contribution to the dish.

Refrigerated biscuits: The base of the casserole, providing a flaky, buttery crust that holds all the layers together perfectly.
Ground beef: Adds hearty richness and depth; browned and seasoned to pack a flavor punch.
Taco seasoning: Brings bold, spicy Southwestern flair that complements the beef and vegetables.
Water: Helps simmer the beef and seasoning, melding the flavors just right.
Onion: Offers sweetness and aroma, softening as it cooks to blend with the other ingredients.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to balance the savory meat.
Sour cream: Creates a creamy, tangy layer that adds moisture and richness to the casserole.
Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and binds the dairy layer smoothly together.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top and in the layers, providing sharp, melty goodness.
Tomatoes: Sliced to add juicy brightness that cuts through the richness.
Jalapeño peppers (optional): For those who like a kick, these provide a spicy contrast that wakes up every bite.

How to Make John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the biscuit crust doesn’t stick — this is going to be your casserole’s foundation, so treat it with care.

Step 2: Bake Biscuit Base

Press the refrigerated biscuit dough firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of your prepared baking pan. This crust will bake to a beautiful golden brown and provide a flaky, buttery base for all the layers. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Don’t turn the oven off, as you’ll need that heat ready for the finishing bake.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

While the crust bakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly—a process that takes about five minutes. Then drain the fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing it to simmer for five minutes so those big bold flavors really infuse the meat. Set aside the seasoned beef in a bowl.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

Using that same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes until the veggies soften just a bit—this softening releases their sweetness and deepens their flavor, which will complement the beef beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Mixture

Next, in a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked onion and pepper mixture. This creamy blend will add a luscious, tangy dimension that balances out the spicy and savory layers.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

It’s time to assemble: start with the biscuit crust at the bottom, then layer on the seasoned beef, arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly, add the remaining onion and pepper mixture, spread on the optional jalapeño peppers for some heat, and top it all off with the creamy sour cream mixture. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheddar cheese on top, creating a bubbly, cheesy crown.

Step 7: Final Bake

Bake the entire casserole uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese melts and browns beautifully, roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with an irresistible warmth, signaling it’s almost time to dig in!

How to Serve John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe

A white rectangular dish is filled with a layered meal starting with a base of golden-yellow dough or bread, topped with crumbled cooked brown meat, then covered with slightly cooked sliced onions and bright red bell pepper strips scattered on top. Small green jalapeño rings are spread evenly over the vegetables. Next to the dish, on a white marbled surface, is a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy white mixture that has small yellow bits, with a green spatula sticking out of it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. These additions offer a crisp contrast to the rich layers and can brighten each serving with an herbal note.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or even some smoky grilled corn. These sides add freshness or lightness, balancing the hearty and creamy textures of the casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also sprinkle a few tortilla chips on top just before serving for an added crunch or drizzle a little hot sauce if you love extra heat. Presentation can be rustic or polished—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is quite likely), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next day’s meal equally delightful.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it securely with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you need a comforting meal fast.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy biscuit crust and melty cheese topping just like when it was freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough can add a lovely touch of freshness and allows you to customize the seasoning in the crust. Just press it into the pan the same way and adjust the bake time if needed until it’s golden brown.

What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?

If you prefer to skip mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, creamy alternative. It will slightly change the flavor but maintains the rich texture needed for the creamy layer.

Is there a way to make this casserole milder for kids?

Yes, simply omit the jalapeño peppers or swap them out for banana peppers, which have a much milder flavor. You can also reduce or leave out the taco seasoning for a gentler taste.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use cooked lentils or black beans. Be sure to adjust seasoning to retain that bold, comforting flavor.

How soon should I serve the casserole after baking?

Letting the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up and makes slicing cleaner and easier. Plus, it cools down just enough to enjoy every mouthwatering bite safely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm casserole that feels both hearty and packed with flavor. The John Wayne Casserole Recipe – Bold Comfort Food Classic Recipe offers all of that and more, bringing a bold, satisfying meal straight from the heart of American comfort food. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite go-to dish that brings your loved ones together around the dinner table with smiles and full plates.