John Wayne Casserole is a ground beef and biscuit casserole that captures the spirit of the Wild West, combining hearty ground beef, cheese, zesty spices, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s a satisfying one-dish meal with a kick!
John Wayne’s Beef and Biscuit Casserole
We are quite fond of ground beef casserole recipes around these parts. I suppose that’s due in part to our Midwestern upbringing, but it’s also because they’re easy, great for feeding a crowd (I mean, one of our favorites is actually called Company Casserole), and downright delicious.
People may denigrate the humble casserole in public, but get them in a room with a cheesy tortellini bake or a classic cheeseburger tater tot casserole, and they'll be singing a different tune.
Like many of our other casserole recipes, this John Wayne Casserole is a one-dish wonder that’s a perfect meat, cheese, vegetable, and carb delivery system. Unlike our other recipes, this one comes with a flaky biscuit base and just the right amount of heat.
If you’re wanting to spice up your casserole game, this is the perfect recipe to try! And if you prefer your casseroles to be as mild as a late spring day, we’ve included tips for making this John Wayne Casserole without the heat.
What’s the story behind John Wayne Casserole?
Most folks are familiar with John Wayne, the actor best known for his portrayal of a rugged cowboy in dozens of films throughout the 20th century, but the story behind John Wayne Casserole doesn’t begin anywhere near the Wild West.
Instead, it begins with a little girl named Cara Connery. When Cara was just 10 years old, she and her mother began reaching out to celebrities to gather recipes for a cookbook which would raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Their quest resulted in the 1979 cookbook, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends,” and included recipes from celebrities including Captain Kangaroo, Robert Redford, and, you guessed it, John Wayne.
The original recipe for John Wayne Casserole was a simple dish made with eggs and cheese, but like recipes tend to do, the casserole took on a life of its own over the years, being adapted for many different settings and appetites.
The version that’s most popular today, and the one I’m sharing here, was popularized by the University of Minnesota Medical Center Cafeteria, and includes a biscuit base, creamy ground beef filling, and Southwestern seasonings. UMC reportedly still serves the dish today.
Ingredients in Ground Beef Biscuit Casserole
- Canned buttermilk biscuits- While some John Wayne Casserole recipes use Bisquick, we prefer the taste and flaky texture of canned biscuits. Plus, it makes it super easy!
- Ground beef or hamburger- I recommend using a lean (90/10) ground beef since we’ll be adding a lot of other creamy and cheesy ingredients to the mix.
- Peppers and Onions- Feel free to use any mix of peppers and onions–green or sweet bell peppers and red, white or yellow onions all work well here.
- Seasonings- You’ll need a blend of Southwest seasonings, including chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, and Cheddar cheese- Speaking of creamy and cheesy, this is the trifecta that will make this casserole so hearty and delicious!
- Roma tomatoes- I don’t often find fresh tomatoes in a casserole recipe, but I absolutely love them here.
- Jalapeno- Traditional John Wayne Casserole is topped with sliced jalapeno, but if you prefer to cut down on the heat, omit them and finish the dish with fresh chopped green onions instead.
How to Make John Wayne Casserole
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Bake the biscuits. Open the can of biscuits and separate into individual pieces. Gently press the biscuits across the bottom and partially up the sides of the casserole dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are light golden brown, then remove from the oven.
- Make the hamburger filling. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper and brown until onions and peppers are softened and no pink remains in the beef. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of excess fat from the pan. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly and allow them to infuse the meat.
- Make the creamy topping. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and ½ of cheese, blending them together until smooth and creamy.
- Layer. Distribute the ground beef mixture evenly over the cooked biscuits. Place the sliced tomatoes on top of the beef mixture. Pour the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture over the tomatoes, forming a smooth layer. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake and garnish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and garnish with diced jalapenos.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Leftovers: Casserole should be stored, covered, in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, or cover the dish with foil and bake it in a 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes.
Make Ahead: The John Wayne Casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance (you’ll still need to bake the biscuit crust first), covered in saran wrap, and refrigerated until you're ready to bake it.
When you're ready, uncover the casserole, pop it in the oven, and follow the baking instructions as usual.
Freezing: Cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat in casseroles?
While the traditional John Wayne Casserole recipe calls for ground beef, you can experiment with different meats such as ground turkey or chicken.
How spicy is the casserole with the jalapeños?
The spiciness of the casserole can be adjusted according to your preference. If you enjoy a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños before mincing them.
Conversely, if you want to bring the heat, leave the seeds and ribs intact.
If you want a very mild casserole, simply omit the jalapenos completely.
What goes with ground beef biscuit casserole?
The great thing is, this John Wayne Casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but we also love serving it with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole and chips.
It also pairs well with Corn and Black Bean Salsa, and a light and fresh garden salad served with Ranch or a tangy vinaigrette for a nice contrast in flavors and textures.
Variations
Add a Tex-Mex flair to the casserole by incorporating ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, and chopped green chilies.
Substitute the ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken for a lighter version of the casserole. Season the chicken with Tex-Mex spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the southwestern flavors.
Give the casserole a smoky and tangy twist by mixing barbecue sauce into the ground beef. This will infuse the dish with a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
More Hearty Hamburger Casseroles to Try
- Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
- Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Taco Pasta Casserole
- Mexican Cornbread Casserole
- Walking Taco Casserole
📖 Recipe
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can large buttermilk biscuits
- Vegetable oil (to coat)
- 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium red onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 roma tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 jalapeno (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Open the can of biscuits and separate into individual pieces. Gently press the biscuits across the bottom and partially up the sides of the casserole dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are light golden brown, then remove from the oven.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper and brown until onions and peppers are softened and no pink remains in the beef. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of excess fat from the pan.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly and allow them to infuse the meat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and ½ of cheese, blending them together until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the layers. Distribute the ground beef mixture evenly over the cooked biscuits. Place the sliced tomatoes on top of the beef mixture. Pour the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture over the tomatoes, forming a smooth layer. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and garnish with diced jalapenos.
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