Cattle Drive Casserole

Why make this recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines layers of beef, veggies, and a creamy topping, all baked with a biscuit crust. This casserole is not only filling but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy nights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

How to make Cattle Drive Casserole

Ingredients:

• Equipment:

  • Large skillet
  • 2 Medium mixing bowls
  • 9 x 13″ casserole dish

• Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, chopped
  • 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
  • 1 cup Water
  • Cooking Spray, like Pam
  • ½ cup Sour Cream
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ cup Salsa, mild

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden. Set aside, but keep the oven on.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
6. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
7. Add Salsa and Cheese: Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

How to serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or some crunchy tortilla chips. You can also add extra salsa or sour cream on top for more flavor.

How to store Cattle Drive Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole

• Use fresh vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.
• Switch up the cheese with your favorite blend or go for a spicy option for a kick.
• You can add black beans or corn for extra texture and taste.
• Adjust the amount of salsa to match your spice preference.

Variation (if any)

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also try adding different spices or using different types of cheese for a flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

   • Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

2. Can I use different kinds of meat?

   • Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage, depending on your taste.

3. Is Cattle Drive Casserole spicy?

   • The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you use. You can choose mild or hot versions to control the heat.

Cattle Drive Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with layers of beef, veggies, and a creamy topping, all baked under a biscuit crust.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 38 minutes mins

Total Time 58 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, chopped
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix

Biscuit Base

• 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
• 1 cup Water
• Cooking Spray, like Pam

Creamy Topping

• ½ cup Sour Cream
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
• 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ cup Salsa, mild

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water, stirring well. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes, then set aside.

Cooking

1. Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the ground beef. Cook for 4 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.
2. Spread the beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer in the casserole dish.
3. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, and garlic powder in another bowl. Spread over the beef layer.
4. Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

Cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with a fresh salad or tortilla chips. For variations, switch up the cheese or add black beans or corn.