By: Jill Mills Updated: Dec 28, 2024

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Made with ground beef, veggies, and lots of cheese layered on top of fluffy biscuits, this John Wayne Casserole is packed with Tex-Mex flavors. An easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a white plate

This John Wayne casserole recipe has such a unique origin story. While it is based on John Wayne’s recipe, he’s not actually the one who made it famous! In 1979, a 10-year-old named Cara Connery was devasted by losing relatives to cancer and wanted to fundraiser for cancer research. She wrote to approximately 1,400 celebrities, including John Wayne, and published a cookbook called “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends”. It included a version of this casserole, along with recipes from President Jimmy Carter, Captain Kangaroo, and many others.

I think that’s probably the coolest backstory of any recipe I’ve shared on the blog. The tenacity and determination of kids with a mission is so inspiring!

Of course, the recipe has been changed and adapted over the years. The original recipe included eggs while this one is made with biscuits. But the Tex-Mex flavor remains!

Why We Love This John Wayne Casserole Recipe

This casserole has become a big family favorite. Here are a few reasons why.

Loaded with flavor. This casserole has a lot of Tex-Mex flavors with ground beef and taco seasoning, onions, and peppers. One of the biggest complaints I hear from the boys is that casseroles taste bland – I definitely did not hear that complaint with this John Wayne Casserole!
Easy to make. Easy is the name of the game when it comes to cooking on busy weeknights. I love that this casserole only has a few steps and some can be done at the same time, like making the beef mixture while the biscuits are cooking.
Leftovers are fantastic. Everyone in the house fights over who gets to eat the leftovers the next day. They taste just as good, if not better, than the first night. I sometimes make two casseroles so I can freeze one for those nights I really don’t have time to cook.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make John Wayne casserole

What’s In This Casserole?

This recipe combines biscuits, taco meat, and veggies for a dish packed with Tex-Mex flavor. You can find the exact measurements of each ingredient in the recipe card below.

Refrigerated biscuits – Biscuits form the flaky crust of this casserole.
Olive oil – For cooking the beef.
Ground beef – I like to use 80/20 lean ground beef for extra flavor without too much grease. You could also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a different flavor.
Taco seasoning – A packet of your favorite taco seasoning or you can try my homemade taco seasoning. It adds flavor to the ground beef.
Water
Veggies – Diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), canned corn, onion, red bell pepper, and canned sliced jalapenos add lots of flavor and color to this casserole. Be sure to drain the corn well.
Mayonnaise – Adds a rich creamy flavor to the casserole.
Sour cream – Helps to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise.
Cheese – I used a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack for a bit of spice or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Parsley – For garnish.

How To Make John Wayne Casserole

Here’s an overview of how to make this Tex-Mex casserole. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the printable version of the instructions.

Partially baked biscuits in a baking dish

Bake the biscuits. Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease the baking dish. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer, pressing them together to cover the base evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. (They should be partially cooked, not fully cooked.)

Peppers and onions in a pan with ground beef

Diced tomatoes and canned corn added to ground beef, peppers, and onions in a pan

Make the beef mixture. Cook the onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning with the water. Once thoroughly combined, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn. Cook for 5 minutes.

Ground beef, peppers, and onions in a baking dish

Mayo and sour cream spread on top of a ground beef mixture in a baking dish

Assemble. Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit layer. Top with the sliced jalapenos. In a separate bowl, combine the mayo and sour cream. Spread evenly over the jalapenos. Top with the shredded cheese, being sure to cover it completely.
Bake. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden and the biscuits should be cooked through.
Enjoy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with chopped parsley then enjoy!

Serving a slice of John Wayne casserole from a baking dish

Tips & Variations

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make this John Wayne casserole.

Add more to the beef mixture. Consider adding black beans or chopped olives to the beef mixture for additional flavor and texture. Freshly chopped cilantro can also enhance the dish.
Try a different ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter version. Italian sausage could also be used for added flavor.
Adjust the spice level. For those who prefer less spice, substitute jalapenos with mild green peppers. If you prefer more spice, use medium or hot canned tomatoes and green chilies. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Press the biscuits into the pan. When you add the biscuits to the pan, use your hands to press them down so that there’s an even layer on the bottom with no open spaces.

A fork diving into a serving of John Wayne casserole on a white plate

Serving Suggestions

Let your John Wayne Casserole cool for a few minutes then slice and serve. (It’s easier to slice once the filling and cheese have had a minute to rest.)

I like to add some toppings like chopped parsley, sliced green onions, and a dollop of guacamole. Since there are so many veggies and protein right in the casserole, I don’t find the need to add any sides. Just a slice of the casserole, a few toppings, and everyone is happy.

How To Store, Freeze, & Reheat Leftovers

Fridge. Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is fully cooled before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.