This satisfying casserole delivers all the bold flavors of the Wild West—no open flame required. Inspired by the iconic cowboy actor, John Wayne, the dish known as “John Wayne Casserole” has earned a place in American comfort-food tradition. Hearty, colorful, and layered with bold Southwestern flavors, this casserole has a reputation for feeding hungry crowds and bringing a warm, homey atmosphere to any dinner table.

Although it isn’t entirely clear whether John Wayne himself created the casserole, contributed to its recipe, or simply inspired its rugged, flavor-packed personality, what is known is that the dish has been circulating for decades—passed down through families, published in community cookbooks, and shared at potlucks across the country. Over the years, the recipe has taken on a life of its own, evolving into a beloved classic that people return to again and again for its satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

At its core, the John Wayne Casserole is all about layers—layers of comforting ingredients and layers of flavor. The foundation of the dish starts with a soft, golden biscuit crust that forms a warm, tender base. This crust bakes up slightly buttery and sturdy enough to hold the substantial filling above it. It’s the first indication that this casserole is meant to be hearty, not delicate.

Above the biscuit layer is where the Southwestern personality really begins to shine. A generous portion of ground beef is cooked with taco seasoning until it becomes savory, fragrant, and full of spice. The aroma alone can make a kitchen feel like it’s been transformed into a Tex-Mex roadhouse. Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, it’s spread across the biscuit crust, creating a robust and flavorful middle layer that anchors the entire casserole.

But the John Wayne Casserole doesn’t stop there. To the beef, a colorful combination of diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onions, and sometimes diced bell peppers is added. These ingredients bring brightness, zest, and just the right amount of heat. The tomatoes and chilies add moisture and acidity that cut beautifully through the richness of the beef and cheese, while the onions bring a gentle sweetness that deepens as the casserole bakes.

The next step is what gives John Wayne Casserole its creamy, comforting character—the signature topping that blends sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is spread generously across the vegetable and beef layer, forming what many consider the “soul” of the dish. When baked, this creamy layer becomes warm, melty, and slightly tangy, balancing the spices and tying the entire casserole together. It melts down into the vegetables and beef while also forming a luscious top layer that turns golden and bubbly in the oven.

Finally—because comfort food rarely stops at “just enough”—the casserole is finished with another layer of shredded cheese. As the casserole bakes, this cheese melts into a gooey blanket that seals in the flavors beneath it. When fully cooked, it forms a lightly browned, irresistibly cheesy topping that stretches beautifully with every serving.