As the aroma of beef and spices fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort and warmth. This Cattle Drive Casserole has been a family favorite for years, often gracing our dinner table after a long day. It brings back memories of gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories over a hearty meal. This recipe matters because it’s not just about feeding our bellies; it’s about nourishing our souls and creating connections. Cattle Drive Casserole is special because it combines simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dish that everyone loves. You’ll find it easy to make and hard to resist!
why make this recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. Whether you’re on a busy weeknight or planning a casual gathering with friends, this casserole will surely impress. It’s a one-dish wonder that warms you up and fills you up, making it a go-to recipe for busy families.
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 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 Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ cup Salsa, mild
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In one mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir well, 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, keeping the oven on.
- 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.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon small amounts of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- 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
Serve this delicious casserole hot from the oven, allowing everyone to dig in. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips. You can add some fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it before baking, keeping it good for up to 3 months.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- For a spicier version, use spicy taco seasoning or add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to swap the type of cheese based on your preference. Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick!
- To save time, prepare the beef and biscuit layer ahead of time and assemble the casserole when ready to bake.
variation
Try adding black beans or corn to the ground beef mixture for extra texture and flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of a mix?
- Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just prepare it the same way and spread it in the casserole dish.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply use extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350℉ and bake the leftovers for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef Ground beef adds heartiness to the casserole.
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped For color and flavor.
- 1 piece Yellow Onion, chopped Adds sweetness when cooked.
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix Enhances flavor profile.
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick Base for the casserole.
- 1 cup Water To prepare the biscuit mix.
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream For creaminess.
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Adds richness.
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained Adds a slight kick.
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided Use a blend for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder For added flavor.
- 0.5 cup Salsa, mild For layering.
- 1 can Cooking Spray, like Pam To prepare the casserole dish.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir well and press into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 4 minutes, then stir in taco seasoning and remove from heat.
Assembly
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- In a new bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Spoon small amounts of salsa over the sour cream mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.