This John Wayne Casserole with Bisquick is a comforting dinner made with a Bisquick crust, savory ground beef, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. A creamy sour cream and mayo mixture and plenty of melted cheese finish off this hearty casserole.
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What Is John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne Casserole has an interesting history because the popular version made today is quite different from the original. John Wayne contributed an egg-and-cheese casserole recipe to a charity cookbook in the late 1970s.
Over the years, the recipe evolved, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center cafeteria became known for a hearty version made with a biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise layer, and cheese.
My version follows that more familiar modern style and uses Bisquick for the biscuit base.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.
- Biscuit base: I use Bisquick Heart Smart mixed with whole milk. Other biscuit mixes can be used in place of the Bisquick; prepare the biscuit mixture with milk or water according to the package directions.
- Beef filling: I use lean ground beef, fresh onion, green bell pepper, canned tomatoes with green chiles, and taco seasoning. Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of the beef, and any color bell pepper will work.
- Creamy topping: This is a mixture of equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream with shredded cheddar cheese added. More cheddar is sprinkled on top before baking.
How John Wayne Casserole with Bisquick Comes Together
Here is a quick overview of the main steps. Scroll or jump down to the recipe card for complete instructions.
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Make the Bisquick mixture and press it evenly into the baking dish.
Cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper, then add the tomatoes and taco seasoning. Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit base.
Spread the sour cream and mayo mixture over the beef.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake.
Tips for the Best John Wayne Casserole
- Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray to make it easier to press the sticky biscuit mixture evenly into the casserole dish.
- If you’re not using lean ground beef, drain the excess fat before adding the remaining filling ingredients.
- Don’t add the water called for on the taco seasoning packet. The liquid from the canned tomatoes with green chiles provides plenty of moisture.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What to Serve with John Wayne Casserole
Serve with an easy vegetable side like Pan Fried Green Beans, Italian Roasted Broccoli, or simple Canned Corn.
A fresh green salad or garlic bread would also pair nicely with this hearty casserole.
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John Wayne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounces
- 2 packets taco seasoning 1 ounce each
- nonstick cooking spray
For the biscuit base:
- 2 ¼ cups biscuit mix
- 1 cup milk
For the creamy topping:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9X13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.nonstick cooking spray
- Prep: Chop the onion and bell pepper and grate the cheese.
- Make the topping: Combine the mayo, sour cream, and 1 cup of the cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cook the beef: Cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Drain if not using lean ground beef. Add the taco seasoning and tomatoes and cook, stirring constantly, until combined and heated through.2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 cup onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 2 packets taco seasoning
- Make the biscuit base: In a medium bowl, combine the biscuit mix and milk, mixing just until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.2 ¼ cups biscuit mix, 1 cup milk
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit base, then top with the sour cream mixture and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.