Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole

This Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together Tex-Mex flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. Built in flavorful layers, it’s packed with seasoned ground beef, biscuit dough, a creamy sour cream and mayo layer, veggies, and loads of cheese. I like making this when I want a filling, crowd-pleasing meal that’s big on flavor and easy to assemble.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how every bite of this casserole delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture. The layers hold together beautifully after baking, and the flavor combinations are simply irresistible. It’s also a great make-ahead dish and reheats well, which makes it perfect for meal prepping or next-day leftovers. Plus, it feeds a crowd without much fuss.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated biscuit dough

• Ground beef

• Taco seasoning mix

• Sour cream

• Mayonnaise

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Onion, diced

• Bell peppers (red and green), diced

• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

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

2. I press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the dish to form the crust, making sure to cover the base evenly.

3. In a skillet, I cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess grease.

4. I stir in the taco seasoning and a bit of water, letting it simmer for a few minutes.

5. In a separate bowl, I mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheese to create the creamy layer.

6. I start layering by spreading the beef mixture over the biscuit crust, followed by the diced onions, bell peppers, and drained Rotel tomatoes.

7. I then spread the creamy mayo-sour cream mixture on top and finish with the remaining shredded cheese.

8. I bake the casserole uncovered for about 30–35 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, for a total time of roughly 55 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up. I’ve also used a crescent roll crust instead of biscuit dough for a flakier base. For extra spice, I add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese. If I want to make it vegetarian, I skip the meat and double up on the peppers and beans.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes until hot. I like covering it with foil when reheating in the oven to keep it moist.

FAQs

What makes this casserole “John Wayne”?

The recipe was inspired by a dish reportedly contributed by John Wayne to a cookbook. It’s known for bold, southwestern flavors and hearty ingredients, much like his on-screen persona.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?

Yes, I’ve used fresh diced tomatoes before, but I always add a bit of chopped green chilies or jalapeños to replicate the flavor Rotel provides.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often assemble the layers, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. It’s a time-saver for busy nights.

Is there a way to make it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use a gluten-free biscuit or crescent dough and make sure my taco seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

What sides go well with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or Mexican rice. It’s filling enough to be the main dish, so light sides work best.

Conclusion

Creamy Layered John Wayne Casserole is a deliciously satisfying dish I keep coming back to. It’s easy to prepare, full of bold, comforting flavors, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd. Whether I’m making it for dinner, a potluck, or a make-ahead meal, it never disappoints.

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