why make this recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty dish that combines flavors everyone loves. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The mix of ground beef, cheese, and spices makes it comforting and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or potlucks.
how to make Cattle Drive Casserole
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
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13” casserole dish
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
- 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 Cattle Drive Casserole hot out of the oven. It pairs well with a crisp salad or a side of fresh fruit. You can also serve extra salsa or sour cream on the side for added flavor.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or spicy salsa.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- You can prep the casserole a day ahead and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
variation
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans to the ground beef mixture for added texture and nutrition. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with Cattle Drive Casserole?
A: It goes well with a side salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 each Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 each Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
- 1 cup Water
- 0.5 cups Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 0.5 cups Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained Can use fresh chili for more spice.
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided Reserve ¾ cup for the sour cream layer.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 cups Salsa, mild Adjust spice level to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- 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.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden.
- 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 bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Add spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer. 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.