The Duke’s Hearty Oven Bake

Experience the heartwarming embrace of a truly legendary dish with this incredible John Wayne Casserole. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey packed with savory beef, rich cheese, a delightful hint of spice, and an explosion of robust flavors. Forget traditional pasta-based casseroles—this unique recipe stands out with its ingenious Bisquick crust, a sturdy yet tender foundation that perfectly cradles all the delicious fillings. Get ready to discover your new favorite family dinner!

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In a busy household with hungry teenagers, finding economical, satisfying, and easy-to-prepare meals is a constant quest. Casseroles often come to the rescue, offering a complete meal in one dish that keeps everyone full without requiring hours in the kitchen. This John Wayne Casserole, with its familiar Tex-Mex inspired flavors, a touch of gentle heat, and abundant savory goodness, has quickly become a family favorite.

This recipe is designed for ease, featuring simple layers that come together effortlessly. Cooked in a standard 9×13-inch baking dish, it yields generous portions, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring plenty of leftovers for busy weeknights. The entire casserole bakes to perfection in under an hour, meaning you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table with minimal fuss.

The John Wayne Casserole is a delightful nod to vintage American cooking, a testament to the enduring appeal of comforting, ingredient-driven meals. Bisquick, a staple in American pantries since the 1930s, naturally found its way into countless innovative casserole creations, and this dish proudly carries on that tradition. Unlike many modern casserole recipes that rely on canned soups for convenience, this version champions fresh, wholesome ingredients, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic flavor. You’ll taste the difference that scratch-made goodness brings, and we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Essential Ingredients for Your John Wayne Casserole

Creating this iconic casserole begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bisquick Baking Mix: The star of our unique crust, providing a tender and sturdy base without the need for traditional pasta. You’ll need about 3 cups in total for that perfect foundation.
• Water: Essential for mixing with the Bisquick to form our easy crust.
• Cooking Oil: Olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil works perfectly for sautéing the aromatics.
• Onion: Diced yellow or white onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for a less greasy casserole, providing the hearty protein component.
• Aromatic Spices (Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These Tex-Mex staples are crucial for infusing the ground beef with authentic, deep flavors. Always check that your spices are fresh for maximum impact!
• Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper offers a crisp texture and mild, slightly bitter note that complements the other flavors. For those who crave more heat, a finely diced jalapeno (seeded for less spice) can be a fantastic substitute.
• Rotel Tomatoes (Drained): This convenient can of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds both moisture and a zesty, spicy kick. Choose original for a moderate heat or mild for a gentler touch.
• Fresh Tomato (Diced): Roma tomatoes are recommended for their firm, meaty texture and lower water content. The fresh tomato brightens the dish and adds a lovely burst of garden-fresh flavor.
• Frozen Corn Niblets (Thawed): Sweet corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and pops of texture, enhancing the overall vegetable medley.
• Canned Green Chilis: A small 4.5-ounce can of these mild peppers further deepens the Tex-Mex profile without overwhelming heat.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): The secret to our irresistibly creamy and tangy topping. Ensure it’s softened for easy blending; a few seconds in the microwave can help.
• Mayonnaise: Any brand of mayonnaise will do, adding a rich creaminess and binding agent to the cheesy topping.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust, salty, and tangy flavor that melts beautifully. Pre-shredded is convenient, but block cheese shredded at home often melts more smoothly.

Need a Hand with Chopping?

For quick and consistent dicing of onions and bell peppers, a quality vegetable chopper can be a game-changer in the kitchen. It saves time and ensures uniform pieces, which cook more evenly. Consider an Alligator Original Chopper Set to make your prep work a breeze.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make John Wayne Casserole

Follow these simple instructions to create your delicious John Wayne Casserole:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Bisquick Base: In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix with 1 cup of water. Stir until just combined, forming a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions: Add cooking oil and the diced onions to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and begin to soften, releasing their sweet aroma.
4. Brown the Ground Beef: Introduce the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
5. Season the Beef: To the cooked ground beef, add the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, along with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a separate bowl and set it aside.
6. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), combine the drained Rotel tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thawed corn niblets, fresh diced tomatoes, and canned green chilies. Mix well and heat over medium heat until the vegetables are warmed through. This step ensures all layers are hot before baking.
7. Create the Creamy Topping: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
8. Layer the Bisquick Crust: Press the Bisquick dough mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. An offset spatula can be helpful here to achieve a smooth, even layer.
9. Add the Ground Beef Layer: Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef mixture over the Bisquick base.
10. Add the Vegetable Layer: Next, carefully spread the warmed tomato-vegetable mixture over the ground beef layer.
11. Top with Creamy Cheese Mixture: Gently spread the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheddar mixture over the top of the vegetable layer. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole for a beautiful golden-brown crust.
12. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes. The casserole is ready when the Bisquick base is set and cooked through, and the cheesy topping is bubbly and golden.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Ultimate Casserole

• Meat Variations: While ground beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground turkey or chicken can make for a lighter alternative, or for a bolder flavor, try ground sausage. Adjust seasoning slightly to complement your chosen meat.
• A Dollop of Freshness: For an extra layer of creaminess and a bright, tangy contrast, serve each portion with a generous dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. It truly elevates the flavor profile.
• Customize Your Spice Level: This casserole is wonderfully adaptable to your preferred heat. If you like things spicier, don’t hesitate to add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some finely diced fresh jalapeños (with seeds for maximum heat) to the beef mixture. For a milder touch, ensure your Rotel tomatoes are the mild variety and remove all seeds from fresh peppers.
• Make Ahead Option: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire dish, covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights much simpler. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Don’t Skip Draining the Fat: For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to thoroughly drain the fat from the ground beef after browning. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures the other flavors shine through.
• Even Spreading is Key: When spreading the Bisquick dough and the creamy cheese topping, an offset spatula is your best friend. It helps create even layers, ensuring every bite has a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

Recommended Casseroles You’ll Love

Make It A Complete Meal

While the John Wayne Casserole is certainly a satisfying meal on its own, it can be effortlessly elevated into a more complete and balanced dinner with a few thoughtful additions. For a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. If you prefer a heartier vegetable component, a side of perfectly roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers can add both color and nutrients. And for those who love a classic pairing, warm garlic bread or soft tortillas can be a delicious accompaniment for scooping up every last bit of this flavorful dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the many advantages of the John Wayne Casserole is how beautifully it stores, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers. To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until thoroughly warm. For larger portions or to retain a crispier topping, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until heated through. Always ensure the casserole is covered while reheating to help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

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5 from 2 votes

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Beefy, cheesy, spicy, and with a Bisquick base, John Wayne Casserole is just about the perfect casserole!

Course
Casseroles, Main Course

Cuisine
American

Keyword
beef casserole, ground beef, john wayne casserole, vintage casserole

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
35 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Servings

8
servings

Calories

760
kcal

Author

Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 3
  cups
  bisquick baking mix
• 1
  cup
  water
• 1
  tablespoon
  cooking oil
• 1
  small onion
  diced
• 1
  pound
  ground beef
• 2
  teaspoons
  chili powder
• 1
  teaspoon
  onion powder
• 1
  teaspoon
  cumin
• 1
  teaspoon
  garlic powder
• 1
  bell pepper
  diced
• 1 4-5
  ounces
  can green chilis
• 1
  can Rotel tomatoes
• 1
  cup
  frozen corn niblets
• 1
  cup
  diced fresh tomato
• 1/2
  cup
  mayonnaise
• 8
  ounces
  cream cheese
  softened
• 3
  cups
  shredded cheddar
  divided

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375-F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside.
• Combine the Bisquick mix with 1 cup of water in a large bowl. Mix until combined. Set aside.
• 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.
• Add the ground beef to the onions and continue to cook, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the fat.
• 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, then transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and set aside.
• Combine the drained Rotel tomatoes, diced bell peppers, corn niblets, fresh tomatoes, and canned green chilies in the same skillet and mix well to combine. Heat over medium heat until heated through.
• Combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese in a bowl until well mixed.
• Spread the Bisquick-water mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to help spread it around into an even layer.
• Top with the ground beef mixture.
• Top with the vegetable mixture.
• Spread the cream cheese, mayo, and cheddar mixture over the top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake at 375-F for about 30-35 minutes or until the baking mix has set on the bottom and the casserole is hot.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
cup

|

Calories:
760
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
40
g

|

Protein:
27
g

|

Fat:
55
g

|

Saturated Fat:
22
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
9
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
18
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
118
mg

|

Sodium:
1152
mg

|

Potassium:
488
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
9
g

|

Vitamin A:
1542
IU

|

Vitamin C:
30
mg

|

Calcium:
445
mg

|

Iron:
3
mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.