John Wayne Casserole

 John Wayne Casserole – A Classic Comfort Food

If you love hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly meals, the John Wayne Casserole is one recipe you need to try. This dish, inspired by the famous actor John Wayne, is a layered casserole made with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, a creamy ranch sour cream layer, and lots of melted cheese. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and easy weeknight dinner, and once you try it, it may become a regular on your family table.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible: you can prepare it with potatoes, biscuit dough, or even tater tots as the base. Each bite is packed with flavor and satisfying texture, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Base:

• 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or substitute with refrigerated biscuit dough for the classic American version)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Beef & Veggie Layer:

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 2 cups diced onions
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (4 oz) can green chilies (optional, for a Tex-Mex kick)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Ranch Layer:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Base

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Layer the thinly sliced potatoes (or biscuit dough) at the bottom, drizzle with melted butter, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Cook the Beef & Vegetables

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly.
• Add onions, garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3 – Mix the Creamy Layer

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until smooth.

Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the potato/biscuit base.
2. Spoon the creamy ranch mixture on top of the beef layer.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.

Step 5 – Bake

• Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
• For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 6 – Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve hot with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

 Tips & Variations

• Base options: Use tater tots, hash browns, or tortillas instead of potatoes for different textures.
• Protein swaps: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a twist.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Healthier version: Use light sour cream, Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and lean ground turkey.

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?
It’s said that John Wayne once submitted a similar casserole recipe to a cookbook, which made the dish famous.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What should I serve with John Wayne Casserole?
It pairs well with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or cornbread.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based crumbles.

 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 32g

 Final Thoughts

The John Wayne Casserole is more than just a hearty dish—it’s a piece of American food history. With its layers of beef, veggies, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Best of all, it’s versatile, easy to adapt, and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights.