This John Wayne Casserole is an easy recipe you and your family will love. This meaty casserole is full of fresh vegetables and seasoned ground beef layered on biscuits and topped with a creamy, cheesy topping. It cooks up in less than an hour making it a great option for a busy weeknight or your next potluck.
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Why you should try this recipe
Tex Mex flavor- this hearty casserole will not disappoint your Tex Mex food lovers
Biscuit crust - the biscuit base pairs perfectly with the the seasoned ground beef and cheesy top
Family friendly - this delicious casserole will leave the whole family well fed and happy
Simple ingredients - pantry staples help make this an easy casserole to whip up most any night
Ingredients
Refrigerator biscuits - refrigerator biscuits are a great time saver on busy weeknights. I used Pillsbury Grands biscuits. Bisquick baking mix can be used, or your own homemade biscuit recipe.
Lean ground beef - we like to use ground sirloin or 93% lean ground beef. Ground turkey is a great substitute if trying to reduce excess fat.
Taco seasoning - we love my homemade taco seasoning mix , but store bought is a good option too.
Rotel - Rotel is a mixture of tomatoes and green chilies. It comes in different spice levels so be sure to use one that suits your family's taste. We used original, which has a medium spice level.
Onions - these are thinly sliced. If you prefer smaller bits, then dice them.
Red bell pepper - thinly sliced. You can dice them if you prefer smaller pieces. Green peppers can also be used if you like.
Garlic - freshly chopped garlic has the best flavor, but you can use some garlic powder if it's easier.
Mayo - used to make the creamy topping
Sour cream - for the creamy topping
Sharp cheddar cheese - for the cheesy top layer. Another good melting cheese can be subbed.
Fresh tomatoes - I dice these and layer them on top of the casserole after the casserole is cooked. Some versions of John Wayne Casserole have the tomatoes layered inside and baked.
Green onions - cilantro or parsley for garnish
How to make it
This is an overview of how to make the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and printable recipe card.
1) Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place biscuits in the pan and press them out lightly so they cover the bottom. Bake the biscuit layer for about 12 minutes. It's better to underbake them slightly because they'll be going back into the oven again.
2) Add a teaspoon of oil (or use cooking spray) to a large skillet. Brown ground beef over medium heat. When cooked and no longer pink, add the water, taco seasoning mix, and can of Rotel. Stir to combine well. Then add ground beef mixture to the top of the baked biscuit layer. Set aside.
3) Add 2 teaspoons of oil to the same pan. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until softened and slightly golden brown around the edges. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Remove from heat and to the top of the meat mixture.
4) Mix mayo, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese together in a medium bowl. Spread sour cream mixture over the peppers and onions. Spread evenly all the way to the edges of the casserole dish.
5) Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is melted and edges are lightly browned.
Tips
- Cooking time might vary depending on your oven. Adjust as needed.
- Biscuits can stick to the bottom of the pan, even when greased first. Parchment paper can help keep it from sticking.
- You can make a parchment paper sling by draping long sheets over the edges of the pan. After baking, carefully pull the casserole out.
- There are different version of John Wayne casserole, so feel free to experiment with ingredients, like I did.
- If using Bisquick baking mix, try using 2.5 cups mix to ⅔ cup water.
How to store
Refrigerator: Smaller amounts of leftover John Wayne Casserole should be stored in an airtight container. If you are making this ahead or have a large amount of casserole left, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezer: store in freezer safe containers for up to two months.
More favorite casseroles
- Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Meatless Baked Ziti
- Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Spinach Ricotta Ravioli
📖 Recipe
Ground Beef and Biscuits (John Wayne Casserole)
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 16.3 oz refrigerator biscuits
- 3 teaspoon oil canola, olive; divided use
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 pkg taco seasoning or homemade
- ¼ cup water
- 10 oz Rotel canned tomatoes and green chilies
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup onion thinly sliced, crosswise
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato diced
- sliced green onion, chopped cilantro or parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Generously grease or spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place biscuits in the pan and press them out lightly so they cover the bottom. Place the baking pan on one or two sheet pans to insulate the bottom. Bake the biscuit layer for about 15 minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of oil (or use cooking spray) to a large skillet. Brown ground beef over medium heat. When cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat then add the water, taco seasoning mix, and can of Rotel. Stir to combine well. Then add ground beef mixture to the top of the baked biscuit layer. Set aside.
- Add 2 teaspoons of oil to the same pan. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until softened and slightly golden brown around the edges. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Remove from heat and to the top of the meat mixture.
- Mix mayo, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese together in a medium bowl. Spread sour cream mixture over the peppers and onions. Spread evenly all the way to the edges of the casserole dish.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is melted and edges are lightly browned. I continue to bake on two sheet pans so the bottom of the biscuits don't get overdone.
- Top with sliced green onions or chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time might vary depending on your oven. Adjust as needed.
- Biscuits can stick to the bottom of the pan, even when greased first. Parchment paper can help keep it from sticking.
- You can make a parchment paper sling by draping long sheets over the edges of the pan. After baking, carefully pull the casserole out.
- There are different version of John Wayne casserole, so feel free to experiment with ingredients, like I did.
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