What is my favorite comfort food? The John Wayne Casserole. What is a casserole? It’s a hug in the mouth, if you can’t get enough of it, it’ll make you feel like home. If you love a hearty, savory bake as much as I do, you’re going to want to bookmark this one. What is a shepherd’s pie? My grandmother used to make this every single Thanksgiving and the aroma alone would make my mouth water. Is it possible to drink water for I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!
What is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex dish that features a hearty ground beef base, a creamy cheese sauce, and a delicious biscuit topping. Think of it as a cross between a pot pie and a taco bake. I always thought the name was a bit quirky. Turns out, the recipe likely originated around the time that the famous actor did his own Dutch Oven cooking for his family and production crew. It’s essentially comfort food taken to the next level, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s the kind of dish where everyone digs in and cleans their plates, guaranteed!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this John Wayne Casserole! What I love most is the flavor; the combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy biscuits is absolutely divine. Each bite is an explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
What are some simple recipes that are easy to make? Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily whip this up with minimal effort. What are some of the best ways to get a quick meal on the table?
Is it a good and healthy dish? The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store. How do you feed a family without breaking the bank? Can you customize the filling with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste? Is it safe to substitute ground beef for ground turkey? You can make it your own. I sometimes throw in a can of drained black beans for some extra fiber! What are some similar recipes to enchiladas or tacos? What are some of the best flavors in a casserole?
How do I make John Wayne Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this John Wayne Casserole is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll start by browning some ground beef with onions and your favorite spices, creating a flavorful base. Next, you’ll whip up a simple cheese sauce to smother over the beef. Finally, top it off with some biscuits and bake until golden brown and bubbly. This is one of those recipes that’s even easier than it sounds. What’s great about this recipe is that it comes together so easily. You can even prep all the components ahead of time and assemble it when you’re ready to bake! I always do this when I know I’m going to have a busy day.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
• 1 pound ground beef – Use a good quality ground meat with some fat for the best flavor. • 1 medium onion, chopped – Yellow or white onion works great. • 1 packet taco seasoning – Or your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder etc. • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) – Adds a nice kick of flavor. Can you adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot Rotel? • 12 cup water – Helps to simmer and meld the flavors together.
What is the cheese sauce?
• 4 tablespoons butter – unsalted or salted, your choice. • 12 cup all-purpose flour – This is what thickens the sauce. • 3 cups milk – Whole milk will give you the creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% or even almond milk. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite, but you can use any cheese you like. What are some of the best Monterey Jacks? • Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously for the best flavor.
What is the Biscuit Topping?
• 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough – I like to use the flaky layers biscuits, but any can use. Kind will work.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you make a casserole easier to serve? I like to use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. I always do this step carefully over the sink.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded. What are some of the best ways to create a delicious casserole? I always take a little taste at this point to make sure it has enough flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (as described in Wikipedia). Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. How do you stir the cheddar cheese into the hot water? Season with salt and pepper to taste. What makes this casserole so creamy and delicious? Make sure it is smooth so that it will incorporate better with the other layers.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
What is the recipe for ground beef? Pour it into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the ground beef mixture, covering it completely. Arrange the biscuits on top of the cheese sauce. Can you cut them in half or leave them whole?
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Sauce is bubbly. This step is crucial for baking everything evenly and getting that delicious golden crust on the top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. I usually let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
What are some great side dishes to serve with John Wayne Casserole? What complements it perfectly?
For a Tex-Mex FiestaServe with a side of Mexican rice and black beans. Add a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor.
For a light and fresh meal: Pair it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a Comfort Food Feast: Serve with some creamy coleslaw or potato salad. These classic sides will make it a truly indulgent meal.
In my family, we always have some tortilla chips and guacamole on the side. It’s the perfect way to scoop up any leftover filling and add some extra Tex-Mex flavor. My kids ask for this all the time, especially when we have friends over.
How do I make a John Wayne Casserole?
Here are some expert tips to help you make the perfect John Wayne Casserole every time:
What is the best quality ground beef?What is the best ground beef flavor? Drain off any excess grease after browning.
Don’t overcook the cheese sauce: Do not over cookCook the cheese sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has thickened. If you overcook it, be careful not to over cook it or it will become grainy.
Customize the Filling:What are some good veggies to add to the ground beef? What are some good additions to a salad? Corn, bell peppers, and black beans.
How do I adjust the heat level?If you like a spicier casserole, add some chopped jalapeos to the ground beef. If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild Rotel or omit the jalapeos.
How do you use freshly grated cheese? Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. It also has a better flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Bake the casserole until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Be careful not to overbake it, or the biscuits will become dry.
I learned this trick after years of making it: If the biscuits are browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil for the last few minutes of baking. Trust me on this one! This is a life saver when you have a tempermental oven!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: You can store the baked John Wayne Casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Cover it with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: To store the casserole in the refrigerator, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the biscuit topping right before baking, so if you’re storing the casserole for later, wait to add the biscuits until you’re ready to bake it.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the biscuits may not be as crispy. This disappeared in minutes at my house, but if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these tips will keep your casserole tasting great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This John Wayne Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! It’s become a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own. Happy baking! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment and rating below. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ways to make this dish even better!
