If you’re craving a cozy, filling, and full-flavored meal, let me introduce you to the John Wayne Casserole. This dish is one of those ultimate comfort foods that combine Tex-Mex flavors with a hearty, layered casserole style that’s so satisfying. Ground beef, chive cream cheese, and a soft, biscuit-like base come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or game night—basically, anytime you want to please a crowd.

My family discovered this recipe on one of those long, lazy weekends when we wanted something comforting and substantial. We experimented a bit, adding in some extra spices and more cheese (because, well, you can never have too much cheese, right?), and it turned out to be a hit. Every time I make it, the smell alone has everyone crowding into the kitchen, waiting to dig in.

So, whether you’re already a John Wayne Casserole fan or trying it for the first time, let’s get started! Trust me, this is one casserole you’ll be making again and again.

The story behind the John Wayne Casserole

This dish is named after the legendary actor John Wayne, and it’s said that he actually contributed to the original recipe. It first appeared in a cookbook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the 1970s, credited as one of Wayne’s personal favorites. Since then, it has become a classic American casserole, with recipes and adaptations popping up in cookbooks and kitchens across the country. The combination of Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting, homestyle feel made it an instant hit. Over time, cooks have added their own twists—like using chive cream cheese or mixing in extra veggies—to make it even tastier.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes this casserole so special

Lean ground beef: The base of the casserole, adding a hearty, meaty flavor. If you want to cut down on fat, you can use ground turkey, but beef keeps it classic.
Taco seasoning: This brings all the Tex-Mex flavor, with a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You can use store-bought or make your own mix if you’re feeling adventurous.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch to the casserole. Feel free to use a white or red onion if that’s what you have on hand.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: This canned mixture is perfect for adding both tangy tomato flavor and a touch of spice. If you like more heat, you could go for the spicier version of Rotel.
Canned corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture. You could substitute frozen corn in a pinch, just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Bisquick mix: This acts as the base layer, creating a soft and fluffy biscuit-like texture. If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make a similar mix with flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of butter.
Philadelphia whipped chive cream cheese: This spread adds creamy richness and a hint of oniony chive flavor. If you can’t find the chive variety, plain whipped cream cheese with a sprinkle of chives works well too.
Mayo: Adds creaminess to the topping, balancing out the richness of the cheese and cream cheese.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Because what’s a casserole without a cheesy topping? The mozzarella melts beautifully while the cheddar adds a sharp, rich flavor.

Essential kitchen tools for casserole success

To make this casserole, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Large saute pan: For browning the ground beef and cooking the onion, tomatoes, and corn mixture.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of these for mixing the Bisquick dough and the cream cheese topping.
Electric mixer: This is a big help for making the cream cheese and mayo topping smooth and spreadable, but if you don’t have one, a whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick.
9 x 13-inch baking dish: This size fits the casserole perfectly, creating even layers that cook beautifully. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, you could halve the recipe and use an 8×8 dish.

Step-by-step: Putting together this Tex-Mex comfort casserole

Brown the ground beef: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. Make sure to break it up well so it spreads evenly in the casserole. Once it’s fully cooked, drain the grease.
Add flavor with taco seasoning: Pour in the taco seasoning and water, stirring everything well to coat the beef in those spices. Let it simmer for about 4 minutes, so the beef really absorbs the flavor.
Mix in the veggies: Add the diced onion, drained Rotel, and drained corn. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. This keeps the mixture warm and allows the flavors to meld while you work on the biscuit base.
Prepare the biscuit layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and water. Stir until you get a sticky dough. Don’t over-mix, or your biscuits could turn out tough. Dump this dough into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it out as evenly as possible.
Layer on the beef mixture: Spoon the beef and veggie mixture over the dough, spreading it into an even layer. This is the heart of the casserole, so make sure it’s nice and even.
Make the creamy topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whipped chive cream cheese, mayo, garlic powder, and salt. Use an electric mixer to whip it until smooth. This creamy layer is what makes the casserole so rich and indulgent.
Top with cheese: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the beef layer and spread it out as evenly as possible. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top for that classic cheesy finish.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. The cheese should be melted and golden, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges.
Let it rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. This helps it firm up, so it’s easier to slice and serve.

Variations to try: Make it your own!

Spicier version: Add some diced jalapeños or use a hotter Rotel variety to turn up the heat.
Vegetarian twist: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mix of black beans and mushrooms.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick. I’ve tried this with a few different brands, and it works well as long as you follow the mix instructions.
Extra veggie boost: Throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added color and nutrients.
Breakfast style: Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a hearty morning casserole.

Serving suggestions: Make it a meal

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad to balance out the richness, or some sliced avocado for a creamy, fresh contrast. If you’re serving a crowd, add a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a more complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions on top also adds a nice pop of color and extra flavor.

Drink pairings: What to sip with your casserole

If you’re in the mood for a cold beer, a Mexican lager or a light pilsner would be a refreshing choice. For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Riesling or even a rosé complements the Tex-Mex flavors beautifully. And if it’s a family dinner, you can’t go wrong with a pitcher of iced tea or limeade.

Storing leftovers and reheating tips

Got leftovers? This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. For reheating, you can pop a slice in the microwave for a quick lunch, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Freezing also works well—just slice it into portions and wrap each piece individually for easy grab-and-go meals.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes a generous 9 x 13-inch casserole, which serves about 8 people. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 dish. Just keep an eye on the bake time; it may only need around 30 minutes instead of 40.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend would add extra flavor.

2. Is there a substitute for Bisquick?
Yes, you can make your own with flour, baking powder, salt, and a little butter.

3. How spicy is this casserole?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel, but you can make it spicier by adding jalapeños.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it when you’re ready.

5. What can I serve with this?
It’s great with a side salad, avocado slices, or even tortilla chips for some crunch.

John Wayne Casserole Recipe