Why Make This Recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a heartwarming, satisfying dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. It combines familiar flavors that everyone loves, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and offers a great way to enjoy ground beef with a mix of spices and creamy goodness all in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a potluck, this casserole will surely become a favorite.
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
Cattle Drive Casserole is best served warm right out of the oven. You can slice it into squares and dish it onto plates. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some fresh bread. Feel free to add extra salsa on top for those who enjoy a bit more flavor.
How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350℉ until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Use Lean Meat: Using lean ground beef keeps the casserole from being too greasy.
- Customize Your Veggies: You can add other veggies like corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use low-fat versions of sour cream and mayonnaise.
FAQs
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just cook it a bit longer as it will be cold. -
Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
What toppings can I add?
You can add sliced green onions, jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch right before serving.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, then drain off excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water, stirring until well mixed. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish.
- Bake the biscuit layer for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Set aside.
- Cook chopped onions and red bell pepper with the ground beef for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread over the beef layer.
- Top with spoonfuls of salsa and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.