why make this recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is easy, filling, and fast. It uses simple pantry items and makes a good family meal. You get meat, cheese, and a biscuit bottom in one dish. If you like easy casseroles, you may also like this beef and hash brown casserole for another weeknight idea.
introduction
This casserole mixes seasoned ground beef, vegetables, a creamy cheese layer, and a quick biscuit base. It bakes in one dish and serves many people. The steps are simple, and the bake time lets you do other things while it cooks. For a sweet side dish idea, consider trying a sweet potato casserole on the same night.
how to make Cattle Drive Casserole
Follow these steps in order. Read all steps first. Preheat and keep the oven on when you need to bake layers.
Ingredients :
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13″ casserole dish
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 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: Set the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains. Drain fat. (While meat cooks, make the biscuit dough.)
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, mix the biscuit mix and water. Stir until mixed well. Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish to the edges. Bake 5–8 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Set aside, keep oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the cooked beef. Cook about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this over the beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Drop small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (do not spread). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Note: For a quicker prep idea, you can use a small shortcut for the biscuit layer similar to how some casseroles use hash browns as a base in recipes like this other casserole.
how to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm in squares. Offer extra salsa, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro for garnish. It goes well with a simple green salad or corn.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
- In the fridge: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and store up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze: Cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350℉ until hot, or microwave single portions until heated through.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Drain the cooked beef well so the casserole is not greasy.
- Press the biscuit dough evenly so the base bakes straight.
- Use a mild salsa if you want less heat.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before slicing so pieces hold shape.
- If you want a crunchier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end and watch closely.
- For another crowd-friendly base idea, see a similar hearty casserole.
variation (if any)
- Add black beans or corn for extra color and fiber.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a milder taste.
- Swap regular biscuit mix for a whole wheat version to add more fiber.
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I use different cheese?
A: Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well. Adjust amount to taste.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy from taco seasoning and salsa. Use mild salsa or less taco seasoning to reduce heat.
Q: Can I use premade biscuit dough instead of biscuit mix?
A: Yes. You can press canned biscuit dough into the dish, but check baking time as it may differ.
Q: How many people does this serve?
A: A 9 x 13″ casserole usually serves 6–8 people, depending on portion size.
Conclusion
For the original source and another version of this recipe, see Cattle Drive Casserole – The Country Cook.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until mixed well.
- Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and press the biscuit dough into the dish to the edges. Bake for 5–8 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the cooked beef. Cook for about 4 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In another bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading it. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm and offer extra salsa, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.