John Wayne Casserole

This has to be the world’s best casserole. It seriously ticks all the boxes: it’s beefy, cheesy, a bit spicy, and loaded with flavor. Plus, this is a no-pasta casserole. Instead, it’s made with Bisquick, and this tasty layer holds up all the rest of the goodies in this amazing John Wayne Casserole.

With 2 teens in the house, we eat casseroles often. My son, eats and eats and eats, so casseroles are economical and an easy way for me to fill him up without cooking all day. The whole family loves this John Wayne Casserole because it has familiar Tex-Mex flavors, a bit of spice, and loads of tasty flavors.

This is an easy layered casserole, and the whole thing finishes cooking in the oven in about 30 minutes. You make it in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, so it makes plenty for the family, even if you have hungry teenagers in the house.

It’s also a vintage casserole recipe that’s come back into culinary fashion. Bisquick has been around since the 1930s, and it didn’t take long for someone to incorporate it into a casserole. 

Like all my casseroles, there is no canned soup in this casserole. Just honest-to-goodness ingredients and loads of flavor. I just know you’ll love it as much as we do!

History

The origins of the John Wayne Casserole date back to the 1970s. It is said to have been created from a recipe that John Wayne himself contributed to a cookbook published as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This recipe, with its cowboy-style, Tex-Mex influences, quickly became popular for its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors. Since then, it has remained a beloved dish in American home cooking, celebrated for its hearty and comforting qualities.

Ingredients

• Bisquick baking mix – You’ll need about 3 cups of baking mix in total.
• Water
• Cooking oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil is fine.
• Onion – Yellow or white onion; diced.
• Ground beef
• Ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder – Make sure your spices are fresh! Fresh spices make all the difference.
• Bell pepper – I like green bell pepper in this recipe, but you could use any kind. For a spicier kick, use a jalapeno instead. Seed and dice the pepper.
• Rotel tomatoes – Drained. You can use original or mild; whichever you prefer.
• Tomato – Diced. I use roma tomatoes because they’re meatier. The fresh tomato really lightens up the dish and makes a big difference with the flavor.
• Frozen corn niblets – Thawed.
• Canned green chilis – A 4.5 ounce can is all you need.
• Cream cheese – Softened. Pop it into the microwave for a few seconds if it’s too hard to mix.
• Mayonnaise – Any kind works.
• Cheddar cheese – Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar. Pre-shredded is fine.

How To Make John Wayne Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375-F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside.
2. Combine the Bisquick mix with 1 cup of water in a large bowl. Mix until combined. Set aside.
3. Add the onions and cooking oil to a large skillet and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
4. Add the ground beef to the onions and continue to cook, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the fat.
5. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the ground beef and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes more. Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl.
6. Combine the drained Rotel tomatoes, corn niblets, fresh tomatoes, and canned green chilies in the empty skillet you cooked the beef in and mix well to combine. Heat over medium heat until heated through.
7. Combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese in a bowl until well mixed.
8. Spread the Bisquick dough mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to help spread it around into an even layer.
9. Top with the ground beef mixture.
10. Top with the tomato-vegetable mixture.
11. Spread the cream cheese, mayo, and cheddar mixture over the top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Bake at 375-F for about 30-35 minutes or until the baking mix has set on the bottom and the casserole is hot.

Step-By-Step Process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• You can use any ground meat in this recipe. Try it with ground turkey or chicken, or even sausage.
• I love a dollop of sour cream on top – it adds a pop of freshness!
• Don’t hesitate to customize the spice levels to your liking. More chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper can kick it up a notch.

Make It A Meal

John Wayne Casserole is a feast in itself, but it can be turned into an even more satisfying meal with a few simple additions. A side of crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can balance the richness of the casserole. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of garlic bread.

Storage

This casserole stores wonderfully, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Always ensure the casserole is covered while reheating to retain moisture.