Originally published May 22, 2025
John Wayne Casserole
"John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today
I did some digging myself to find the cookbook—it's definitely out of print. And sure enough, the folks at Tasting Table are right: the original recipe is a pretty simple egg and cheese casserole. It’s understated, yes, but maybe a little too plain for modern tastes.
What I’m offering here is a version that’s a lot more satisfying. Given my family's love for casseroles (or hot dishes, as we say in Minnesotan), and given the history behind this one, I knew I had to make it.
And you know what? It doesn’t try to be fancy. There's nothing particularly strange or gourmet about it. It's just real comfort food.
Think of it as a kind of cowboy lasagna. There are four distinct layers:
- A biscuit base
- A meaty middle
- A vegetable layer
- A creamy topping
- Finished off with melted cheddar cheese
As you can see from the photo I posted with the recipe, I took the picture a bit too soon—right after pulling it out of the oven. If you’re more patient than I was, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes, the layers will set and you’ll be able to serve each piece cleanly, showing off the structure and making a beautiful presentation.
But even if it’s a little messy on the plate, it’s all about flavor and feeling. This dish brings together warm spices, a generous helping of vegetables, and that creamy, cheesy melt that wraps every bite in satisfaction.
Mom approved!
Whether you’re making this as a tribute to the Duke, or just as a delicious addition to your dinner table, John Wayne Casserole has earned its place as a comfort food classic.
Bon Appétit!
Show text-only recipe (fallback)
John Wayne Casserole — Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 (4.5 oz) can green chiles
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 cup corn niblets; 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise; 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups shredded cheddar (divided 2 cups / 1 cup); chopped parsley (optional)
- 3 cups Bisquick; 1 cup water
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F; spray 9×13-inch dish.
- Sauté onion in oil 4–5 min; add beef, cook through, drain.
- Season with cumin, chili, garlic & onion powders; cook 2–3 min; set aside.
- Warm bell pepper, green chiles, both tomatoes, and corn in skillet.
- Mix cream cheese + mayo + 2 cups cheddar.
- Mix Bisquick with 1 cup water; spread in dish.
- Layer: beef → vegetables → cream-cheese mix; top with remaining 1 cup cheddar (and parsley).
- Bake 30–35 min until set and hot. Rest 15–20 min; portion and serve.
This Is Delicious! What Is It?
John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients
- 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 diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup corn niblets
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 cups shredded cheddar, (divided-2 cups/1 cup)
- Chopped parsley, if desired
- 3 cups bisquick
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set this 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.
- Combine the Bisquick mix with 1 cup of water in a large bowl. Mix until combined.
- 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.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before baking, if desired.
- Bake at 375F for about 30-35 minutes or until the baking mix has set on the bottom and the casserole is hot.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes, cut into portions and serve!
Recipe and photograph by Robert Meyers-Lussier