Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and if you’ve cooked with ground beef, canned tomatoes, or biscuit dough, you’re already halfway there.
Here’s the lineup:
Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional, but adds wonderful flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Layer
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed into the creamy topping)
Crust and Topping
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking John Wayne Casserole doesn’t require advanced kitchen skills. If you can brown ground beef, stir a few things together, and pop a dish into the oven, you’re set. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Place a skillet over medium heat to get things warmed up.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Layer
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain away excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Then add the canned tomatoes with green chilies and onions if you’re using them. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 3: Build the Biscuit Base
Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Overlap pieces as needed so it forms one solid layer. This will bake up into a tender crust that holds everything together.
Step 4: Add the Layers
Spoon the beef mixture over the biscuit crust. In a mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and one cup of cheddar cheese. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the biscuit base should be cooked through. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together beautifully when served.
Tips for Making It Your Own
One of the joys of casseroles is how adaptable they are. Here are some ideas for personalizing your John Wayne Casserole:
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or even black beans can be stirred into the beef mixture.
- Spice it up: If you like a little more kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Use different cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice twist.
- Make it lighter: Swap in ground turkey for beef and use light sour cream or Greek yogurt in the topping.
For families who enjoy leftovers, this casserole reheats beautifully. It can also be frozen in portions, making it a convenient meal for days when cooking from scratch feels like too much effort.
Why Seniors Love This Recipe
