introduction
This Cattle Drive Casserole is an easy, filling dish that mixes seasoned beef, a soft biscuit crust, a creamy sour cream layer, salsa, and cheese. It cooks in one pan and one casserole dish, so cleanup is simple. If you like casseroles, try a different twist like pierogi casserole with kielbasa for more ideas.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick, uses common ingredients, and feeds a family. It tastes like comfort food and works well for weeknights, potlucks, or when you need an easy dinner that reheats well.
how to make Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients :
- Large skillet
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13″ casserole dish
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, 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 to 350℉.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook the beef until no longer pink, stirring now and then.
- Drain off any excess fat from the beef.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water and stir until mixed.
- Spray the 9 x 13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Press the biscuit dough into the dish and spread it to the edges.
- Bake the biscuit layer for 5 to 8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Set the baked biscuit layer aside but keep the oven on.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
- Cook the vegetables with the beef for about 4 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning and stir well, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Carefully spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
- Drop small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
how to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or tortilla chips on the side.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
Cover leftover casserole and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350℉ oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
– Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
– Drain the meat well so the layers do not get soggy.
– Press the biscuit dough evenly so it bakes uniformly.
– If you like more heat, use medium salsa or add jalapeños.
– Let the casserole rest a few minutes to set the layers before cutting.
variation (if any)
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken. Use a different cheese blend like Monterey Jack and cheddar. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and fiber.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when you are ready and add about 5-10 extra minutes if cold.
Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes. Homemade biscuit dough works fine. Bake the crust first as the recipe says before adding the layers.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute and season it like taco meat.
Conclusion
For the original recipe and more notes, see Cattle Drive Casserole – The Country Cook.