Taco seasoned ground beef layered with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapenos covered in blanket of creamy, cheesy goodness. Crockpot John Wayne casserole is our favorite weeknight meal in the slow cooker!

john wayne casserole in a black crockpot

Why this recipe works

Crockpot John Wayne casserole is adapted from one of my most popular hot dishes on the site, john wayne casserole. All the same flavorful ingredients everyone knows and loves, but instead of baking in a dish, you’ll let the slow cooker do all the work for you.

Colorful veggies light up this ground beef casserole. The only thing that sets this apart from the original recipe is that we enjoy the biscuits on the side. They’re great for dipping!

crockpot john wayne casserole with a biscuit on a plate

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

ingredients for crockpot john wayne casserole

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – You will need two pounds of ground beef. I like to use 80% lean 20% fat. Brown the ground beef (see my technique on how to properly brown ground beef), drain, then mix with taco seasoning. I highly recommend my homemade taco seasoning for optimal flavor, but a seasoning packet will work just fine.

VEGETABLES – Freshly sliced bell pepper, onions, and tomato are used here adding lots of flavor and color as well as canned AND fresh jalepenos. The canned jalapenos will be layered into the casserole and the fresh slices are used as garnish. If you are wary of spiciness, don’t let that deter you. The jalapenos don’t add too much spice, it’s the perfect amount!

How to Make Crockpot John Wayne Casserole

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

In a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain of excess fat. Return to skillet and combine with taco seasoning and water. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.
Pour the ground beef into the bottom of the 6 qt crockpot (or larger).
In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of onions. Stir well and set aside.
Saute remaining onions and bell peppers on the taco meat pan until slightly tender.
Layer ingredients in the following order within the crockpot: taco meat, tomato slices, bell pepper and onion mixture, Jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, recover and allow to melt for 15 minutes.
Garnish with fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro, and/or more sour cream. Serve with biscuits on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover john wayne casserole in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Why is it called John Wayne Casserole?

If you’re interested in learning more about why this recipe is named after John Wayne, I encourage you to visit the link provided. It’s an interesting read about the origins of this popular casserole!

serving spoon of crockpot john wayne casserole

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot john wayne casserole is amazing when served with a side of biscuits. The original casserole recipe uses canned (or homemade) biscuits as the crust, but in this slow cooker version, the biscuits make for a great dipper! Garnish with fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro, and/or more sour cream.

More Casserole Recipes

Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.

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This post originally appeared here on September 2, 2021.