Pioneer Woman’s John Wayne Casserole is a hearty Tex-Mex bake layered with savory ground beef, biscuits, cheese, and veggies—all bubbling to cheesy perfection in under 90 minutes. This crowd-favorite is comforting, bold, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or potluck crew. With easy ingredients and big flavor, it’s a dinner win you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This John Wayne Casserole Recipe
- Tex-Mex comfort food layered with cheesy, spicy goodness
- Just layer, bake, and serve—no fancy steps needed
- Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd
- Like your favorite taco dip, but hot, bubbly, and dinner-worthy
John Wayne Casserole Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning (plus water per packet instructions or use homemade)
- 16 oz can large refrigerated biscuits
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced
- 4 oz canned sliced jalapeño peppers
How to Make Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Set oven to 350°F and move rack to center. Lightly grease a 13×9 glass baking dish.
- Bake Biscuit Crust: Press biscuits into the pan to form a crust, pressing dough slightly up the sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes until pale golden. Remove and set aside. Leave oven on.
- Season Beef: Mix browned beef with taco seasoning and required water. Simmer until thickened. Set aside.
- Prepare Creamy Layer: In a bowl, mix half of the cheese, half of the onions, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Set aside.
- Saute Veggies: In the same skillet, saute the remaining bell pepper and onion just until tender.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer over baked biscuit crust: seasoned beef, tomato slices, sauteed peppers and onions, jalapeños, creamy mixture, and remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until top is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Press biscuits evenly to avoid thin spots in the crust.
- Adjust jalapeños to suit your spice level.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or blend cheddar with Monterey Jack.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Southwest: Add chili powder and use pepper jack cheese.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap biscuit base with cauliflower crust or omit entirely.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in corn, black beans, or zucchini.
- Breakfast Style: Sub sausage for beef and add scrambled eggs.
- BBQ Twist: Mix in BBQ sauce with the meat and top with crispy onions.
Storage Instructions
In the Fridge: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days.
In the Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or use an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat John Wayne Casserole
- Oven: 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: HIGH for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I make John Wayne casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time. - Can I use crescent rolls instead of biscuits?
Absolutely. Crescent rolls offer a lighter, flakier texture but still work beautifully. - Why isn’t the middle of my casserole cooking?
Ensure even layering and try covering with foil to prevent top from over-browning. - How do you thicken the casserole?
Mix in a bit of cornstarch slurry or flour roux before baking. - Do I need to brown the meat first?
Yes. Browning enhances flavor and ensures the beef cooks thoroughly.
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Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 272
- Total Fat 9.6g
- Saturated Fat 4.6g
- Cholesterol 45.9mg
- Sodium 808.8mg
- Total Carbohydrate 28.4g
- Dietary Fiber 1.9g
- Sugars 4.9g
- Protein 18.2g
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
Description
This Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole layers taco-seasoned beef, creamy sour cream and mayo, biscuits, and melty cheese for a Tex-Mex comfort classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish.
- Press biscuits into bottom and sides. Bake 12–15 mins.
- Brown beef, stir in seasoning and water. Simmer.
- Mix sour cream, mayo, half cheddar, and half onions.
- Sauté peppers and remaining onions.
- Layer in dish: biscuits, meat, tomatoes, veggies, jalapeños, creamy mix, cheese.
- Bake uncovered 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly
Notes
- Even biscuit base = sturdier slice.
Let sit 10 minutes before cutting.
Adjust spice with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Swap in chicken or beans for variations.
Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
