This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, layered ground beef casserole with a Bisquick biscuit crust, taco-seasoned beef, fresh tomatoes, green chiles, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s an old-fashioned comfort-food casserole that’s been popular in one form or another since the 1970s—and this filling version has been a family favorite in my house for years.
My version uses 2 pounds of ground beef and a tender Bisquick crust, so it’s substantial enough to feed a hungry family. The combination of seasoned beef, tomatoes and chiles with that rich sour cream, mayo, and cheese topping makes every layer a little different—and ridiculously satisfying.
I started making this when my kids were younger, and I swear they had hollow legs—they could eat so much! This was one of those dinners that could actually fill everybody up, and it’s still a huge family favorite.
If you love hearty casseroles like this, try my Hamburger Casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole, and Cowboy Casserole next, or browse my complete collection of Casserole Recipes.
Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
Interesting story! The casserole gets its name from actor John Wayne, who reportedly contributed a casserole recipe to the 1979 cookbook Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends, created to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The original John Wayne casserole recipe was quite different from the hearty ground beef versions that became popular later. Over the years, the recipe evolved into the layered casserole many people know today, with seasoned ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and, in this version, a Bisquick biscuit crust.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Drain the beef well. After browning the ground beef, drain off the excess fat thoroughly. Too much grease can soak into the Bisquick crust and make it soggy.
✨ Cook the vegetables first. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until they begin to soften before adding the beef. This mellows their sharp flavor and brings out their natural sweetness.
✨ Expect sticky dough. The Bisquick dough is soft and a little sticky. Press it evenly over the bottom of the baking dish and about ½ inch up the sides. A piece of parchment paper or a spatula makes this much easier.
✨ Keep the layers even. Spread each layer all the way to the edges so every serving gets biscuit crust, seasoned beef, tomatoes, green chiles, creamy topping, and cheese.
John Wayne Casserole Ingredients + Key Notes
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. Be sure to drain it well after browning so the biscuit crust doesn’t get greasy.
Onion + Bell Pepper: Yellow onion and red bell pepper add flavor and a little sweetness. Green bell pepper works too if you prefer its more savory flavor.
Taco Seasoning: Mild taco seasoning gives the beef plenty of flavor without making the casserole too spicy.
Bisquick: Original Bisquick makes the soft biscuit crust that forms the base of this John Wayne casserole. The dough will be sticky—that’s normal.
Mayonnaise + Sour Cream: These create the rich, creamy layer underneath the cheese. I recommend regular, full-fat sour cream for the best texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole plenty of cheesy flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Pepper Jack is an easy swap if you’d like a little heat.
Roma Tomatoes: Their firm, meaty texture and lower moisture content make them a great choice for layering into the casserole.
Green Chiles: Canned green chiles add mild Southwestern flavor without making the casserole particularly spicy.
🥣 How To Make John Wayne Casserole
Sauté the vegetables. Cook the onion and bell pepper in oil until they begin to soften.
Brown the beef. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains. Drain well.
Season the beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the mixture thickens.
Make the Bisquick crust. Mix the Bisquick with ⅔ cup water to form a soft dough. Press evenly over the bottom and about ½ inch up the sides of the prepared baking dish.
Make the creamy topping. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and half of the cheddar and Jack cheeses.
Layer the casserole. Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the Bisquick crust. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the beef, then sprinkle with the green chiles.
Add the creamy layer. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the green chiles, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake. Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the edges of the biscuit crust are lightly golden.
See the recipe card below for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Drain the beef really well. Excess grease can soak into the Bisquick crust and make the bottom of the casserole heavy or soggy.
⭐ Don’t worry about sticky dough. The Bisquick dough is supposed to be soft and sticky. Use parchment paper or a spatula to help press it evenly into the baking dish.
⭐ Let the taco mixture thicken. Simmer the seasoned beef until most of the liquid has cooked away. A wet beef layer can make the crust soggy.
⭐ Use Roma tomatoes. They’re firmer and less watery than many other varieties, which makes them especially good for a layered casserole.
⭐ Spread the creamy mixture gently. Dollop it over the green chiles in several places first, then carefully spread it into an even layer so you don’t disturb the layers underneath.
⭐ Let it rest before serving. Give the casserole about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. The layers will set slightly, making it much easier to cut and serve.
Variations
⭐ Switch the protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey. Choose a variety with some fat for the best flavor and texture.
⭐ Turn up the heat: Replace some or all of the Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack cheese, or use hot diced green chiles instead of mild.
⭐ Make it extra creamy: Beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture before layering.
⭐ Try a potato crust: For a different spin, replace the Bisquick crust with a layer of thawed shredded hash browns. If you need the casserole to be gluten-free, be sure all packaged ingredients, including the hash browns and taco seasoning, are certified gluten-free.
⭐ Add your favorite toppings: Serve with sour cream, salsa, sliced green onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Something green: Serve this hearty casserole with Southern Green Beans for an easy, classic side.
Something fresh: A crisp KFC Coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
A little extra comfort: Crockpot Creamed Corn is a great choice when you want a cozy, hearty meal.
Save room for dessert: Finish with Cherry Dump Cake for an easy old-fashioned dessert that fits right in with this comfort-food dinner.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: Store leftover John Wayne casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Freeze: Once baked and cooled completely, wrap the casserole tightly or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make ahead: For the best biscuit crust, prep the components ahead but wait to assemble the casserole until you’re ready to bake it. Cook and drain the seasoned beef, sauté the vegetables, shred the cheeses, and mix the creamy topping up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate everything separately. When you’re ready to bake, make the Bisquick dough, assemble the casserole, and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
◆ Is this the original John Wayne casserole recipe?
No. The original casserole attributed to John Wayne was reportedly contributed to the 1979 cookbook Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends and was a much simpler egg-and-cheese dish with chiles. Over time, different versions evolved, including the hearty ground beef casserole that’s popular today. My version includes seasoned ground beef, fresh tomatoes, green chiles, a creamy cheese layer, and a Bisquick biscuit crust.
◆ Can I use Bisquick for John Wayne casserole?
Yes! In fact, this John Wayne casserole is made with Bisquick. It’s mixed with water to make a soft biscuit dough that’s pressed into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the baking dish before the other ingredients are layered on top.
◆ Why is my John Wayne casserole soggy?
Too much moisture is usually the culprit. Drain the ground beef thoroughly, simmer the taco-seasoned beef until the excess liquid has cooked off, and use firm Roma tomatoes. It’s also best to assemble the casserole just before baking rather than letting the unbaked filling sit on the Bisquick crust for hours.
◆ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well in place of the beef. I recommend using ground turkey with some fat rather than extra-lean turkey so the filling stays flavorful and moist.
◆ Is John Wayne casserole spicy?
Not particularly. Mild taco seasoning and canned green chiles give it Southwestern flavor without a lot of heat. For a spicier casserole, use hot green chiles or swap some of the Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack cheese.
◆ What is the crust on John Wayne casserole made of?
This version has a simple Bisquick biscuit crust made from original Bisquick baking mix and water. It’s soft rather than crisp and creates a hearty base for the layers of seasoned beef, tomatoes, green chiles, and cheese.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you cook with confidence! 💗
More Ground Beef Casseroles You’ll Love
Mexican Casserole – A hearty layered casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and plenty of Tex-Mex flavor.
Cattle Drive Casserole – A stick-to-your-ribs ground beef casserole with a creamy filling and cheesy biscuit topping.
Hamburger Rice Casserole – Ground beef and rice baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce for an easy family dinner.
Runza Casserole – Savory ground beef, cabbage, and cheese tucked between flaky layers of crescent dough.
Taco Casserole – All the flavors of tacos baked into a hearty, cheesy ground beef casserole.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole – A one-pan take on stuffed peppers with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and plenty of savory flavor.
Tried This Recipe?
If you tried this John Wayne Casserole, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. Your feedback helps other readers and means so much to me.
Want more cozy, family-favorite recipes? Subscribe to my free newsletter and I’ll send my newest recipes straight to your inbox.
And if you make this recipe, don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram— @gonna_want_seconds so I can see what you made!
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef, browned, crumbled and drained
- 1 (1-oz.) packet taco seasoning
- water
- 2 ¼ cups Bisquick mix
- water
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup jack cheese
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
- 1 (4-oz.) can green chiles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a 12-inch skillet heat vegetable oil (1 tablespoon). Add onions (1) and red pepper (1) and sauté until they begin to soften about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef (2 pounds) to the vegetables, and cook over medium-high heat, crumbling with the back of a spoon, until there is no longer any pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add ¾ cup water and taco seasoning (1 packet) to the beef in the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens.
- In a small bowl mix together the Bisquick mix (2 ¼ cups) and ⅔ cup water to make a soft dough. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides about ½ inch in the prepared baking dish. The dough was a little sticky so I used parchment paper to press it out on the bottom, and I used a spatula to bring it up the sides.
- In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise (½ cup), the sour cream (½ cup), and half the cheddar and jack cheeses. Set aside.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer, then top with a layer of the sliced tomatoes (2). Evenly sprinkle the green chilies (1 can) over the tomatoes. Spread an even layer of the the sour cream mixture over the green chilies. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Dough – When you spread the dough into the prepared baking pan, make sure the edges of the dough cover the bottom of the dish.
I want to make this ahead of time to take camping. Can this be prepared ahead of time, frozen and then thawed and baked at a later date? Please e-mail your answer so I can get it made and in the freezer.
Thank you,
Vickie Brown
I sent you an email!
Can you make it a day ahead of time or will the bisquick get to soggy?
Thanks
This recipe whips together so fast and bakes so quickly that you can’t get any more make-ahead-friendly! If you need, you can always make it the day before, and just store it in the fridge until you need to bake it.
What are some side dishes besides salad to serve with this. Im getting ready to make this recipe but dont know what goes well with it. Any suggestions??
Hi Christy Lynn. I like to serve this with my easy Bisquick biscuits or a hunk of fresh beer bread. Then I add either Southern green beans, brown sugar carrots, or KFC coleslaw.
I put my own little touch on this. I crush up chilli cheese Fritos and put them on top of the dough before the burger I also top it with the chilli cheese Fritos. I’m also not a big fan of cooked tomatoes so I dice them up and put them on the top after it’s done baking
Do you cook the dough first?
Hi, Cathy. No 🙂
Great idea .Very tasty the tomatoes are an important shining star in this dish. Thank you.
Change the name John Wayne was an ass.
Imagine being so fragile the name of a recipe triggers you
Is it possible to use riced cauliflower instead of bisquik or shredded potatoes
Hi, Donna. Sorry, I haven’t tried that.
I have seen a Bazillion recipes for this.. Your Picture Looks really Good + Thick, staying Together. The Top looks YUMMM!
Thank you so much, Cheryl!! 🙂
Easy to make and a hit at the table. I altered the original recipe to suit my husband and I only. I used 1 pound of meat, 1/2 Medium onion, and 1/2 of Bell pepper ( used green as it was on hand); All other ingredients were the same as original. I then used Parchment Paper in 9x9in pan. I kept to all other instructions/ amounts. I kept some of the sour cream mixture topping to add on at the table; This produced enough for our dinner and then leftovers the next night for us both. Served with side salad of Tomatoes and Avocado -with a dap of the sour cream mix to taste. Next time I will also reduce the Biscuit layer portion to 1/2 as the breading was tasty but a bit more than we needed for a 9×9 pan. Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you so much, Linda! I’m so happy it was a hit! 🙂
Just made this tonight, for dinner and my very, VERY picky husband loved it! He says your recipe is a “keeper.” 😁
Wow, that’s amazing, Jessica! Glad it was a hit! 🙂
Thank you!
Definitely going to make this soon. Sounds like the cheesy topping is where it’s at.
I hope you enjoy it! My fam is totally crazy for this one!!
I eat at a restaurant that serves this but they use a cornbread mix instead of biscuit mix. It’s super good.
I need to try that variation!
This is not THE “John Wayne Casserole”. It is actually a variation of a relleno casserole. Proof of this is that it was published over 40 years ago in the LA Times directly from the John Wayne family.
You’re right! The original recipe is vegetarian and is made with eggs and veggies. Cara made the recipe that way because of her family members kept dying from Cancer.
So my son doesn’t really like the bisquick on the bottom can you make it without it??
Yes, absolutely!
Me and grandma will try this casserole recipe. Thank you!
Oooh, that’s amazing! Enjoy this with your grandma. 🙂
Have you ever put corn in it?
Hi, Tonia. I haven’t but it sounds yummy!