Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings flavors together in one satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for families or gatherings where everyone loves comfort food. If you’re looking for something different to try, consider this dish as it is not only tasty but also straightforward to prepare. For another similar comforting taste that your family will enjoy, you might want to check out this baked burrito casserole.
why make this recipe
This casserole is packed with protein and flavors while being easy to make. The combination of ground beef, biscuits, and a delightful sour cream layer offers a diverse taste that will surely satisfy everyone at the table. Additionally, you can easily store leftovers for another day, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. You may also find Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole useful.
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.
- 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 the casserole hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the warm, cheesy layers. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some fresh tortilla chips on the side for a balanced meal. For a sweet finish, consider serving dessert like this delightful apple pie overnight French toast casserole.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
To store leftovers, cool the casserole to room temperature and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag for best results.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicier kick, you can choose a hotter salsa or add jalapeños.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge; just bake it right before serving.
variation (if any)
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Another variation is to use different cheeses or even a non-dairy option to cater to dietary preferences.
FAQs
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- How do I reheat leftover casserole? You can reheat it in the oven at 350℉ for about 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quicker heating.
- Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole? Absolutely! Just ensure it is fully cool before freezing in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 piece Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
Biscuit Base
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
- 1 cup Water
- 1 can Cooking Spray, like Pam
Creamy Layer
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Final Topping
- 0.5 cup Salsa, mild
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix and water; mix thoroughly and press into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake the biscuit layer for 5-8 minutes, until set and lightly golden, then set aside.
Cooking
- Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef, and stir for about 4 minutes.
- Mix in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
Assembly
- Spread the ground beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder; mix until smooth and spread over the beef layer.
- Dollop salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
