Cattle Drive Casserole

why make this recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a simple, filling meal. It uses ground beef, veggies, a biscuit crust, and a creamy cheese layer. You can make it in one dish and feed a family. If you like easy, warm casseroles, try this and see why many cooks choose it. For other easy family casserole ideas, look at Angel Chicken Casserole.

introduction

This recipe makes a hot, cheesy casserole with a biscuit base. It cooks in about an hour, most hands-on time is browning the beef and mixing layers. The flavors are mild and family-friendly. You can change spices or add more veggies if you like. For a quicker comfort option, compare it with 25-Minute Crack Chicken Casserole.

how to make Cattle Drive Casserole

Follow the steps below in order. Preheat the oven first. Cook the meat until brown, cook the veggies, bake the biscuit base a little, then layer and bake the whole dish.

For a different base idea, you can use rice in other casseroles like Angel Chicken Rice Casserole.

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 :

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
2. 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.)
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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

Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking. Cut into squares and serve warm. Add extra salsa, chopped green onions, or sour cream on the side. Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

how to store Cattle Drive Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in a 350℉ oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes from chilled.

tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole

• Drain the beef well to avoid a soggy base.
• Press the biscuit dough evenly to get a uniform crust.
• Use mild salsa if kids eat it; use spicy salsa for more heat.
• Mix the sour cream layer until smooth so it spreads easily.
• For a different twist, try a creamier topping like in Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.

variation (if any)

• Add corn or black beans to the beef layer for extra texture.
• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter dish.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier flavor.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead? A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

Q: Can I skip the mayonnaise? A: Yes. You can use extra sour cream or a plain Greek yogurt mix instead.

Q: How can I make it less spicy? A: Use mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount. Use mild salsa and no hot peppers.

Q: Can I use store-bought biscuit dough? A: Yes. Press canned biscuit dough into the dish and par-bake as directed before adding layers.