Why Make This Recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It combines ground beef with colorful veggies and a creamy topping, all baked together with a comforting biscuit crust. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
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.
How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Cattle Drive Casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into squares and plate it up. You can also add some extra toppings like fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or more salsa for an extra kick. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some corn chips.
How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Feel free to customize the veggies used in the casserole. You can add corn, zucchini, or any of your favorite vegetables.
- For a bit more spice, use spicy taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or cooked lentils. Keep the rest of the recipe the same for a filling and delicious plant-based meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of regular biscuits. Just check the taco seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit 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 small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). 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.