Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and fulfilling dish that brings the flavors of a cowboy feast into your home. It’s packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy layers, all topped with melted cheese. This casserole doesn’t just fill your stomach, but it also warms your heart, making it perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to make Cattle Drive Casserole. First, it’s easy to prepare, requiring only one pan for cooking the meat and a simple mix for the biscuit base. Second, it’s a complete meal in itself, combining protein, veggies, and carbohydrates. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a fun and comforting recipe that brings a taste of the Wild West right to your kitchen.
How to make Cattle Drive Casserole
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. (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.
Cattle Drive Casserole
A hearty and fulfilling casserole packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy layers, all topped with melted cheese.
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix and water, then press into a greased casserole dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set.
- Add onions and bell pepper to the beef, cook for 4 minutes, then add taco seasoning.
- Spread the beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder. Spread over beef.
- Spoon salsa over the sour cream layer, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
For added spice, consider diced jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning. To customize, swap the ground beef for beans or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
How to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Serve Cattle Drive Casserole warm, directly from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some warm bread. Each serving can be topped with more salsa, guacamole, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
How to store Cattle Drive Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- You can switch up the cheese for your favorite blend, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to change the flavor profile.
- If you enjoy a crunchier topping, consider adding crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese before baking.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans. Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free versions, and load up on extra veggies.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used instead of beef for a different taste.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
Q: Can I customize the vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to add or substitute with any vegetables you like, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole is a delightful recipe that brings a hearty and comforting meal to your table. Its combination of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation makes it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Whether you follow the recipe closely or make your own variations, you’re sure to enjoy every bite of this tasty dish.
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