Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the bold and satisfying tastes of a Western meal right to your dinner table. This recipe layers ground beef, vibrant vegetables, creamy toppings, and warm biscuit dough for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. It’s simple to prepare, made with mostly pantry staples, and provides a complete meal in one dish. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and can easily please a crowd.
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 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.
Cattle Drive Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring layers of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy toppings, baked to perfection.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water, and prepare the biscuit dough.
- Press the dough into a greased casserole dish and bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Add onions and red bell pepper to the cooked beef, stirring for about 4 minutes, then mix in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder, then spread this over the beef layer.
- Add spoons of salsa and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using different cheese or incorporating vegetables like corn or black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Serve Cattle Drive Casserole warm from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.
How to store Cattle Drive Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- For a spicier kick, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the ground beef.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like corn or black beans, to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Variations
You can change up the cheese to your preference—pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar will make it extra creamy. Additionally, consider different spices or even using a homemade taco seasoning for an authentic flavor boost.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Absolutely! If you have cooked ground beef on hand, simply skip the cooking step and add it directly to the casserole.
3. Is Cattle Drive Casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort to any meal. With its layers of beef, veggies, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
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