John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole
John Wayne Casserole

"John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today

John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes. Author Cara Connery and her mother self-published the book, personally reaching out to at least 1,400 celebrities including Jimmy Carter, Captain Kangaroo, Walter Cronkite, Robert Redford, and (of course) John Wayne. The project started as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society; In a strange coincidence, Wayne himself died of cancer the same year, in 1979.

So, did John Wayne himself invent his eponymous casserole? Not exactly. The actor did submit the recipe himself, but the original dish detailed in Connery's cookbook described a more understated egg and cheese casserole than the dish folks enjoy today. Over time, John Wayne Casserole evolved into a more elaborate casserole, and after popularization by the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cafeteria in Jackson, Mississippi, the new version of the dish stuck. UMC reportedly still serves it every other Thursday."

Thanks to Tasting Table for this historical information. For more information: Read More

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

  1. Heat oven to 375°F; spray 9×13-inch dish.
  2. Sauté onion in oil 4–5 min; add beef, cook through, drain.
  3. Season with cumin, chili, garlic & onion powders; cook 2–3 min; set aside.
  4. Warm bell pepper, green chiles, both tomatoes, and corn in skillet.
  5. Mix cream cheese + mayo + 2 cups cheddar.
  6. Mix Bisquick with 1 cup water; spread in dish.
  7. Layer: beef → vegetables → cream-cheese mix; top with remaining 1 cup cheddar (and parsley).
  8. Bake 30–35 min until set and hot. Rest 15–20 min; portion and serve.

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