John Wayne Casserole is an easy ground beef casserole recipe with a biscuit base and loaded with diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, cream cheese, mozzarella and cheddar.
John Wayne Casserole is a delicious ground beef and biscuit casserole made with Bisquick.
This simple and flavourful casserole is sure to please the whole family.
This ground beef casserole recipe takes about an hour from start to finish and serves six people.
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
To make this casserole, I started by dumping a pound of lean ground beef into a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
I crumbled the ground beef well as it cooked.
Once the ground beef was fully cooked, I drained the grease from the pan.
Then I added some water and taco seasoning to the pan with the ground beef.
I stirred well and left the ground beef and taco seasoning mixture to simmer over medium-high heat for four minutes.
After four minutes, I added some diced onions, two cans of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies and some canned corn to the pan with the ground beef.
I stirred well and reduced the heat to low.
Then I poured some Bisquick mix into a large mixing bowl.
I added water to the bowl.
Then I stirred until a sticky dough formed.
I dumped the dough into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Then I scooped the ground beef mixture on top of the dough and spread it out evenly.
I dumped some whipped chive cream cheese and mayo into a medium mixing bowl.
Then I added some onion powder and salt to the bowl.
I used an electric mixer to cream together the mayo and cream cheese until smooth.
Then I spooned the cream cheese mixture over the ground beef layer in the baking dish and spread it out as evenly as possible.
I sprinkled some shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Then I placed the dish in the oven and baked it for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes I removed the casserole from the oven and left it to sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This cheesy ground beef and biscuit casserole is the perfect comfort food.
The Rotel and taco seasoning give this dish a bit of a kick but it’s not overly spicy.
If you are looking for a tasty casserole recipe using ground beef, then you need to try this John Wayne Casserole!
More Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipes You’ll Love…
PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This John Wayne Casserole:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup water
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 20 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 12 oz canned corn, drained
Biscuit Layer
- 3 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 cup water
Topping
- 7.5 oz Philadelphia whipped chive cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
How to Make John Wayne Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- Dump ground beef into a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
- Crumble ground beef well as it cooks.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain the grease from the pan.
- Add the water and taco seasoning to the pan with the ground beef.
- Stir well and leave to simmer over medium-high heat for 4 minutes.
- Add the diced onions, Rotel and corn to the pan.
- Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
- Dump the Bisquick mix and water into a mixing bowl.
- Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Dump the dough into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Dump the ground beef mixture on top of the dough and spread it out evenly.
- Dump the cream cheese, mayo, onion powder and salt into a mixing bowl and cream together with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the ground beef mixture in the baking dish and spread it out as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy!
FAQS:
How should I store my John Wayne Casserole?
To store John Wayne casserole, follow these steps:
- Let the casserole cool: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and ensures the dish retains its texture and flavor.
- Divide into portions: If you have a large casserole, consider dividing it into individual portions. This will make it easier to reheat only the amount you need later on.
- Use airtight containers: Transfer the casserole into airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure the containers are freezer-safe and have a tight seal to prevent air from entering and freezer burn from occurring.
- Label and date: Label the containers with the name of the casserole and the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of the contents and ensures you use the oldest ones first.
- Refrigerate or freeze: If you plan to consume the casserole within the next couple of days, store it in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for a longer period, place it in the freezer. Casseroles generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at a low to moderate temperature until it is heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick reheat.
Remember to always follow safe food handling practices and discard the casserole if it shows signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or unusual texture.
What substitutions could I make in John Wayne casserole?
If you need to make substitutions in a John Wayne casserole, you have several options depending on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some common substitutions you can consider:
- Ground Meat: The original recipe calls for ground beef. However, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Cheese: If you’re looking for a healthier or dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as Havarti, Swiss or Monterey Jack to suit your taste.
- Cream Cheese and Mayo: Instead of cream cheese and mayo you can use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt as a substitute. They provide a similar creamy tang to the dish.
- Beans: If you prefer a vegetarian version or want to add more protein and fiber, consider adding or substituting beans. Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or a mix of beans can work well in the casserole.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preferences. You can include diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
- Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, or herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
Remember, substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the casserole slightly, so it’s best to experiment and find combinations that you enjoy.
What should I serve with John Wayne Casserole?
John Wayne casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but if you’re looking to serve it with some complementary sides, here are a few suggestions:
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light dressing can help balance the richness of the casserole. Consider a simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
- Cornbread: Cornbread pairs wonderfully with the flavors of a John Wayne casserole. Serve it warm with butter or honey on the side for a delightful combination of flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans can add a healthy and vibrant element to the meal. Season them with a touch of salt and pepper or a drizzle of lemon juice.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and refreshing coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. Consider a classic cabbage-based coleslaw or try a variation with shredded carrots or apples for added sweetness.
- Baked Beans: Another popular side dish to serve with casseroles is baked beans. The sweet and savory flavors of baked beans can complement the flavors of the casserole nicely.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread can be a delicious accompaniment. You can make it from scratch or use pre-made garlic bread from the store.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you’d like to add some grains to the meal, serve the casserole over cooked rice or quinoa. This can help stretch the dish and add some extra texture.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and dietary needs. Ultimately, choose sides that you enjoy and that complement the flavors of the casserole.
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Dawn
Friday 11th of August 2023
This was surprisingly good. The only thing I might change when I make this again is to add another half pound or pound of ground beef because I live with serious carnivores. Might also try prebaking the biscuit mix just a little before I add the meat mixture, and I might try a cornbread biscuit base.
Littlebit78
Friday 30th of December 2022
I had this for dinner tonight, & it's definitely going to my fav's list!
Jessica
Sunday 1st of August 2021
My goodness this was yummy! I did leave out the corn because my kids dont like it. I wish i would have added it .i used the pioneer brand baking mix instead of bisquick .1 major change i made: i used 1/2 container of chive and onion cream cheese and 1/4 cup mayo . I saw this variation on another site. It was so delicous. Cant wait to make it again
Suzanne
Sunday 21st of February 2021
Delicious! I basically did a pantry pull, so didn’t completely follow the recipe- but OMG!!!