A Cheesy, Hearty Delight: Cattle Drive Casserole
Every now and then, I stumble upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and that’s exactly how I feel about Cattle Drive Casserole. This comforting dish is a culmination of savory ground beef, zesty vegetables, and a cheesy topping, all nestled under a light, fluffy biscuit crust. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. With its blend of flavors and textures, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up Cattle Drive Casserole, making it a must-try for anyone looking for an easy-to-make, delicious meal. First off, it’s remarkably simple to prepare—perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying. It’s budget-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Plus, kids absolutely love it! Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight family meal or a weekend get-together with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
"This casserole has become a staple in our home! It’s super easy to make, and my kids always ask for seconds!" – Happy Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Making Cattle Drive Casserole is not only straightforward but also fun. You’ll start by cooking the ground beef and vegetables, then layer them with a delightful biscuit crust and a creamy sauce. Finally, it’s baked to bubbly perfection. The combination of the crispy biscuit and savory fillings is what makes this casserole truly special.
Gather these items
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13” casserole dish
Key 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 shredded cheddar cheese (Fiesta Blend), divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup mild salsa
Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients, like using ground turkey instead of beef, to cater to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until there’s no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat. While the meat is cooking, you can prepare the biscuit dough.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir well, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Set aside but keep the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon small dollops of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread). 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.
Best ways to enjoy it
Once your Cattle Drive Casserole is out of the oven and golden brown, it’s time to dig in! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or some tangy guacamole on the side. You could even serve it with tortilla chips for a little added crunch. It’s great on its own, but adding a little extra salsa or some pickled jalapeños can elevate the flavors even more.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftover Cattle Drive Casserole can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it securely with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pro chef tips
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or swap out the mild salsa for a spicier variant.
- To enhance the biscuit crust, try adding a dash of garlic powder or Italian seasoning directly into the biscuit mix.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian version.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Try different cheese blends, like pepper jack for a spicier twist or mozzarella for a milder dish.
Common questions
-
How long does it take to make Cattle Drive Casserole?
- The total time is approximately 1 hour, including prep and cooking time.
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Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before the final bake.
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What can I use instead of biscuit mix?
- You can make homemade biscuit dough or use store-bought puff pastry as an alternative.
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Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
- Yes! Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container before freezing.
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Can I add more vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorites, like zucchini or corn.
Final thoughts
This Cattle Drive Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a way to gather loved ones around the table for enjoyable moments and full bellies. I hope you give this hearty recipe a try and enjoy every last bite! If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy your meal!
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart while cooking until there's no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well blended, ideally using your hands for thorough mixing.
- Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and press the biscuit dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
- Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit base.
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Spoon small dollops of salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.