Name: Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2¼ cups Bisquick; ⅔ cup water; 2½ cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 1 lb ground beef; ½ medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup); 1 package (¼ cup) taco seasoning; 10 oz Rotel tomatoes, undrained; ½ cup sour cream (plus more for serving); ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; Chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish); Diced tomatoes (optional garnish); Sliced black olives (optional garnish)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together layers of cheesy goodness, savory ground beef, and a hint of spice, the Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole is a nostalgic, flavorful dish that warms your soul with every bite, combining simple pantry staples into something incredibly satisfying and hearty. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is unbelievably approachable and utterly delicious, making it a staple worth keeping on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows nine clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients for a recipe. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, below it a bowl with white chopped onions, and to the left, a bowl with sliced red pepper strips. To the right of the onions, a bowl contains small diced tomatoes and peppers in liquid (Rotel), beside that is a bowl filled with ground beef which is pink and coarse in texture. Below the ground beef and Rotel, there is a small bowl of golden-brown taco seasoning powder. Next to the taco seasoning, a clear bowl holds transparent water. At the bottom left, two bowls contain creamy white sour cream and creamy white mayonnaise, and at the bottom right there is a large bowl filled with white Bisquick biscuit mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this casserole are straightforward but carefully chosen to build a rich balance of flavors and textures. Each component, from the bisquick base to the mix of cheeses and spices, perfectly complements the others, creating a casserole that is both cheesy and savory with just the right kick.

2¼ cups Bisquick: This forms the fluffy biscuit layer that serves as the perfect base for the casserole.
⅔ cup water: Adds moisture to the biscuit mix, making the dough easy to work with.
1 lb ground beef: The main protein that makes this dish hearty and filling.
½ medium yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup): Adds a savory sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of color on top of the casserole.
10 oz Rotel tomatoes (undrained): Brings a zesty, slightly spicy tomato element to the beef mixture.
¼ cup taco seasoning (or 1 package): Packs a flavorful punch, season every bite perfectly.
½ cup sour cream (plus more for serving): Creamy tang that balances out the spices and adds moisture.
½ cup mayonnaise: Enriches the topping layer, making it irresistibly creamy.
2½ cups medium cheddar cheese (shredded and divided): Melts to cheesy perfection, putting that satisfying gooey factor front and center.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Optional, but great for a fresh herbal brightness when serving.
Sour cream (for serving): A classic topper to amplify the creaminess.
Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness when you serve it up.
Sliced black olives: Offers a salty contrast for a little extra flavor burst.

How to Make Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Oven

Start by greasing a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray—this simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out clean, keeping every slice intact. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s perfectly ready when your assembled casserole goes in.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until the meat loses its pink color and the onions turn soft and translucent. This step fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and creates a savory foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes

Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the beef evenly, then pour in the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices. This juicy, spiced mixture is what gives the casserole its irresistible flavor and a bit of zest that makes every bite exciting.

Step 4: Mix the Biscuit Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick mix with water just until a shaggy dough forms. Then fold in most of your shredded cheddar cheese (save some for topping), creating a cheesy dough that will bake up light and flavorful as the base layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the hearty crust that supports the rest of the ingredients. Next, spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the biscuit base, distributing the ingredients so every slice gets a generous amount of meat and sauce.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this creamy topping over the beef layer, adding richness and helping all the flavors marry together beautifully during baking.

Step 7: Top with Bell Peppers and Cheese

Finish by arranging the sliced red bell peppers across the top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over everything. This not only adds fantastic color but also a satisfying cheesy crown that melts into a golden, bubbly layer as it bakes.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone ready to eat before it even comes out of the oven!

How to Serve Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a black frying pan on a white marbled surface filled with cooked ground meat mixed with chopped onions, with a pile of diced red tomatoes placed in the center on top. A wooden spatula is positioned under the tomatoes, lifting them slightly. Above the pan, there are two clear glass bowls, one filled with shredded yellow cheese, and the other with thinly sliced red bell pepper strips. The colors are warm and vibrant with the rich brown meat, bright red tomatoes, yellow cheese, and red peppers, all set on the white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe even more, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, add dollops of sour cream, scatter fresh diced tomatoes, and place sliced black olives on top. These garnishes add layers of texture and brightness, making each spoonful even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to lighten the meal. For a more indulgent spread, cheesy garlic bread or corn on the cob work wonderfully with those southwestern flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish straight from the oven and set out an array of toppings for a customizable experience. Alternatively, turn it into handheld servings by scooping portions onto warm tortillas with extra sour cream and fresh salsa for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep leftovers refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven until heated through and bubbling again—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes for a full dish. The cheese layer will get wonderfully melty again, just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different biscuit mix instead of Bisquick?

Absolutely! While Bisquick offers the perfect texture and ease, you can substitute with your preferred biscuit or baking mix, but keep in mind that the moisture ratio might need slight tweaks for the best dough consistency.

Is the ground beef necessary, or can I make this vegetarian?

You can definitely make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a meat substitute. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that flavorful punch.

Can this casserole be made spicier?

Of course! If you like heat, try adding a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or using a spicier Rotel variety. You can also increase the taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How thick should the biscuit dough layer be?

You want the biscuit dough to form an even, about ½ inch thick layer across the bottom. Press it firmly but don’t overwork it to keep it tender and flaky after baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover your serving with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture, and for oven reheating, cover the casserole loosely with foil. This prevents the cheese from drying while warming it evenly.

Final Thoughts

The Easy John Wayne Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting classics that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Its balanced layers of biscuit, spicy beef, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings are simply irresistible. Give this recipe a go—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together in such a crowd-pleasing, hearty dish. It’s perfect for sharing, full of flavor, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.