Cattle Drive Casserole has become a cherished staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. This hearty dish effortlessly combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and creamy layers all topped with a golden biscuit crust. It’s an inviting meal that never fails to impress family and friends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are so many compelling reasons to make Cattle Drive Casserole. First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing common ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Perfect for a family dinner or even a casual gathering, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. With layers of flavor and variety in every bite, kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds!
"This casserole is a life-saver on busy days! Not only is it simple to prepare, but my entire family devours it every time!" – Sarah M.
Step-by-step overview
Making Cattle Drive Casserole is straightforward and can be completed in about an hour. You’ll start by cooking the ground beef and prepping the biscuit dough, then layer everything together with creamy and cheesy goodness before popping it in the oven for a bubbly finish. Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need.
What you’ll need
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13-inch 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 mild salsa
Feel free to swap in ground turkey for a lighter option or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist!
Cooking process explained
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a heated skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off excess fat.
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Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, combine biscuit mix and water. Mix until well-blended—using your hands can help achieve a better consistency. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and spread the biscuit dough to cover the bottom. Bake for 5-8 minutes until just set and lightly golden.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the beef in the skillet. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Mix in the taco seasoning, then remove from heat.
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Assemble the Layers: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
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Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer.
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Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon small dollops of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
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Bake: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, baking for 30 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbling.
Best ways to enjoy it
Cattle Drive Casserole is fantastic served hot right out of the oven, but you can elevate your meal by garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. Pair it with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips on the side to round out the meal. For those who love heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
How to store & freeze
Leftovers can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the casserole to cool down before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, freeze the casserole (without baking) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350℉ until warmed through, or microwave for quick servings.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish robust yet healthy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it, and bake it the next day.
Creative twists
- Spice it Up: Try adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the beef mix for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends such as pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix or replace with homemade gluten-free dough for a tasty alternative.
FAQ – Your questions answered
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Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean substitute.
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What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
- Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
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How do I make it vegetarian?
- Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans and increase the vegetable amounts.
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What sides go well with this casserole?
- A fresh green salad or some guacamole are perfect pairings!
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Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Final thoughts
Cattle Drive Casserole is a dinner winner that brings comfort to any table. Whether for a weeknight family meal or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to please. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite! Share your thoughts or variations in the comments below!
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a heated skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, combine biscuit mix and water. Mix until well-blended, then spray the casserole dish with cooking spray and spread the biscuit dough to cover the bottom. Bake for 5-8 minutes until just set and lightly golden.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the beef in the skillet. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Mix in the taco seasoning, then remove from heat.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Spoon small dollops of salsa over the sour cream layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, baking for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.