Why Make This Recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the hearty flavors of beef, vegetables, and cheese. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its layers of savory goodness, this casserole brings everyone to the table, creating an inviting atmosphere filled with warmth and delicious smells. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
Making Cattle Drive Casserole is simple and enjoyable. You start by cooking the ground beef until it’s perfectly brown and flavorful. Next, you mix up a soft biscuit dough that forms the base of the casserole. Once you’ve layered the beef, veggies, and creamy sour cream mixture, all that’s left is to add cheese and salsa before baking it to bubbly perfection. The whole process is straightforward, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
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.
- 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, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a fresh garden salad for a wholesome meal. Slices of avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top can also add a nice touch!
How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole
Once the casserole has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy dish.
- Use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Feel free to add more spices to the beef for an extra kick.
- Double the recipe for a crowd or for meal prep.
Variations
You can easily customize this casserole. Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with black beans or lentils. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add in your favorite vegetables like corn or zucchini.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used; just cook them briefly before adding.
- How long does it take to make Cattle Drive Casserole? It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake.
- Can I make it ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- What sides go well with Cattle Drive Casserole? A simple salad or corn bread pairs well with it.
- Is this dish spicy? No, it’s mild, but you can add hot salsa or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Can I use a different meat? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute can be used.
- What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own using chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- How can I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- 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.