Cattle Drive Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any family meal or gathering. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce all baked atop a layer of fluffy biscuit dough. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or something to serve at a potluck, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks.

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 your oven to 350℉ (175℃) so it can be ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.

Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess fat once cooked to keep the casserole from being greasy. While the meat is cooking, you can prepare the biscuit dough.

Prepare the Biscuit Dough

In one of the medium mixing bowls, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a dough. You can use your hands for a smoother consistency if you prefer. Next, take the cooking spray and lightly coat the bottom of the casserole dish. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish, spreading it out all the way to the edges. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-8 minutes. The dough should be set and lightly golden when you take it out. Leave the oven on for later.

Cook the Vegetables

Once you have the biscuit layer baked, go back to your cooked ground beef. Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper straight into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Next, add the taco seasoning into the skillet and mix everything well. Once combined, remove from the heat and set aside.

Assemble the Layers

Take the ground beef mixture and spread it evenly atop the baked biscuit layer in the casserole dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface for even flavors.

Prepare the Sour Cream Layer

In the second medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer, taking your time to cover it evenly.

Add Salsa and Cheese

Now it’s time to add some flavor with salsa. Add small spoonfuls of mild salsa over the sour cream layer. There’s no need to spread the salsa out; just let it drop in small dollops. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the entire casserole for that gooey, melty finish.

Bake

Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and allow it to bake for about 30 minutes or until it becomes hot and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the cheese starting to melt and form a delicious golden crust.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Once the casserole comes out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. You can cut it into squares and serve it directly from the casserole dish. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley or serve with a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for an even more complete meal. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser with family and friends!

How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

To store leftover Cattle Drive Casserole, allow it to cool completely before covering. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the casserole dish tightly. Alternatively, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. In the refrigerator, the casserole will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; wrapped tightly, it can last up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven at 350℉ until heated through.

Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

1. Customize the Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider using spicy salsa or adding jalapeños to the meat mixture.
2. Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein and ensuring that all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
3. Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add additional spices or fresh herbs like cilantro to enhance the flavor.
4. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack will add a nice twist!
5. Meal Prep: Consider making this casserole ahead of time. You can assemble it without baking, cover it well, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch things up by making a Southwest Chicken Casserole. Simply replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and add black beans or corn to the vegetable layer. Using a different casserole filling can bring a fresh taste to this versatile dish!

FAQs

1. Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator before baking it the next day.

2. Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the Cattle Drive Casserole. Make sure it is completely cool before wrapping it up. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat.

3. Is there a dairy-free option?
   Absolutely! You can make this dish dairy-free by using non-dairy sour cream, mayonnaise, and a plant-based cheese alternative.

4. Can I use a different biscuit mix?
   Yes, you can use any brand of biscuit mix you prefer. Just follow the instructions for mixing the dough as directed.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
   The casserole is done when it is hot all the way through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically about 30 minutes of baking.

Cattle Drive Casserole

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• Author: olivia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Meat

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Description

A hearty and satisfying casserole featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce baked atop fluffy biscuit dough.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, and drain excess fat.
3. Prepare the biscuit dough by mixing biscuit mix and water in a bowl, then spread into a sprayed casserole dish and bake for 5-8 minutes.
4. Cook the chopped onions and red bell pepper in the skillet with the beef for about 4 minutes.
5. Add taco seasoning to the beef mixture and remove from heat.
6. Assemble the layers by spreading the beef mixture atop the baked biscuit layer.
7. Prepare the sour cream mix in another bowl, combining sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, cheese, and garlic powder.
8. Spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
9. Add spoonfuls of salsa and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
10. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
11. Serve once cooled slightly, garnishing with parsley if desired.

Notes

Customize the recipe with spicy ingredients for heat, or try vegetarian options with plant-based proteins.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg