Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish layering seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheesy topping over a golden biscuit crust. This comforting casserole combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with the convenience of a baked one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
Seasonings and Mixes
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Biscuit Crust
- 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 cup Water
- Cooking Spray (like Pam)
Sour Cream Layer
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded (for sour cream mixture)
Toppings
- ½ cup Salsa, mild
- ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded (for topping)
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the casserole and biscuit crust.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir or knead with your hands until the dough is well mixed. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish spreading it out to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the dough is set and lightly golden. Remove from oven and keep the oven on for later.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning until evenly distributed, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, diced green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture carefully over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of mild salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered. Bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute biscuit mix with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to taste for spiciness.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before the final bake step.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: cattle drive casserole, ground beef casserole, biscuit crust casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, layered casserole, cheesy beef casserole