Cattle Drive Casserole

The Cattle Drive Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This hearty casserole combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and a delightful biscuit base, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that packs a punch and is sure to leave your family asking for seconds. I recently made this dish for a crowd, and the way it disappeared from the table was a testament to how satisfying it is.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this Cattle Drive Casserole, but here are a few highlights. First off, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and made with pantry staples, which makes it an ideal option when you want something delicious without breaking the bank. Not to mention, it’s a complete meal in one pot—perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Plus, the combination of flavors is both comforting and satisfying, making it a kid-approved favorite.

"This casserole was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone loved it, and it was super easy to make." – A Family Cook

The cooking process explained

Here’s how this nourishing dish comes together. Start by cooking your ground beef and vegetables on the stove, then prepare a simple biscuit mix that forms the base of your casserole. Layer the beef mixture over the baked biscuit crust, followed by a creamy sour cream mix topped off with salsa and cheese. Pop it in the oven to bake, and soon you’ll have a bubble-filled, cheesy delight ready to impress.

Gather these items

Before you dive into the cooking process, let’s collect what you’ll need:

• Equipment:

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

• Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and 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 shredded cheddar cheese or fiesta blend, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup mild salsa

This ingredient list keeps things simple yet flavorful. Don’t be shy to make substitutions like using ground turkey or even a meat alternative for a lighter version!

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350℉.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally, then drain excess fat.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water until well mixed. Use your hands for best results! Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and spread the dough into the dish, pressing it to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-8 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven but keep it on.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Mix in the taco seasoning, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Layers: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly atop the baked biscuit layer.
6. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and spread it over the beef layer.
7. Add Salsa and Cheese: Dollop small amounts of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.

Best ways to enjoy it

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your serving by adding a few sides. A fresh garden salad sprinkled with a light vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the richness of the casserole. You might also consider offering some tortilla chips on the side for a delightful crunch, or even guacamole for an added layer of flavor.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing your Cattle Drive Casserole is straightforward. You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly and bubbling to maintain that cheesy goodness. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for future meals. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Extra advice

Here are some handy tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• Consider browning the beef ahead of time and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble, which can save time.
• Adding some corn or black beans to the beef mixture can incorporate more flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a bit of a kick, try using spicy salsa or adding jalapeños.

Creative twists

Feel free to play around with this casserole! You can swap the taco seasoning for Italian herbs for an unexpected twist, or use different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick. You could also opt for a gluten-free biscuit mix, aligning it better with dietary needs.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

2. Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even meat alternatives can work well in this casserole.

3. How do I store leftovers safely?
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, ensuring it’s fresh and hot for serving.

Bring the hearty warmth of the Cattle Drive Casserole to your dinner table and enjoy the smiles that come with it!

Cattle Drive Casserole

---

• Author: moudnib2022gmail-com
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Optional Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and a delightful biscuit base, perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and 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 shredded cheddar cheese or fiesta blend, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup mild salsa

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water until well mixed. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and spread the dough into the dish, pressing it to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden, then remove from oven.
4. Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked beef, stir, and cook for about 4 minutes. Mix in taco seasoning, then remove from heat.
5. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
6. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth, then spread over the beef layer.
7. Dollop salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Consider using ground turkey or a gluten-free biscuit mix for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American