By John Wayne Casserole is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
John Wayne Casserole captures the essence of desserts|cookies & biscuits while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, John Wayne Casserole becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
2 cups onion, diced
½ cup bell pepper, diced
1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, divided use
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning, dry
10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups Bisquick, or favorite biscuit mix
1 1/4 cup water, divided
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir until well blended.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onion and pepper are soft.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese, and dry Ranch seasoning. Whisk until smooth and blended. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the Bisquick and 3/4 cup of water to make a soft dough. Add more water if needed.
Gently press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 5 minutes, just until set. Remove from the oven.
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer.
Next, spread the Rotel diced tomatoes over the ground beef layer.
Spoon the sour cream mixture over the tomatoes and gently spread it over the top.
Finish by sprinkling the remaining Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit layer is fully cooked and the casserole is heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting John Wayne Casserole!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
