If you’re looking for a comfort food classic that brings together bold flavors and cozy textures, this Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping layered over a golden biscuit base, this dish hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole shine. From the lean ground beef that forms the hearty base, to the creamy blend of sour cream and mayonnaise that adds richness, every element complements the others beautifully.
- Lean Ground Beef: The protein-packed star that provides a savory and satisfying foundation.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet, juicy crunch.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a mild pungency that deepens the flavor.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: Infuses the beef with a blend of bold spices for that southwestern flair.
- Biscuit Mix: Creates a tender, golden crust that holds the casserole together.
- Water: Essential to bring the biscuit mix together for perfect dough consistency.
- Cooking Spray: Keeps the casserole dish non-stick for easy serving.
- Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess to the middle layer.
- Mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream’s tang with smooth richness.
- Diced Green Chiles: Brings a subtle heat and bursts of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend: Provides melty, colorful cheesy goodness, divided for layering.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile with a gentle garlic kick.
- Salsa, Mild: Adds spoonfuls of zesty brightness for contrast.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven temperature to 350℉. This prepares the perfect environment for baking the biscuit base and melting all those beautiful layers together later on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Break it apart gently with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring every bit browns evenly and nothing is left pink. Remember to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy while still maintaining that rich flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
While your beef is cooking, mix the biscuit mix with the water. The texture should come together nicely — using your hands here helps to really blend it well. Spray your casserole dish to prevent sticking, then press the dough evenly into the dish’s bottom and edges. Bake for about 5 to 8 minutes or until the biscuit base is just set and golden. Keep the oven on for the next steps.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Into the cooked beef mixture, stir in the chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper. Let them soften and mingle with the meat for about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and give it a good mix, creating a flavor-packed filling. Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and get ready to assemble.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread the savory beef and veggie mixture right over the warm biscuit crust, making sure it’s even. This will be the hearty core of your casserole—already smelling incredible at this point.
Step 6: Prepare the Sour Cream Layer
Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Carefully spread this luscious layer over the beef mixture. The creamy topping will balance the boldness of the meat and veggies perfectly.
Step 7: Add Salsa and Cheese
Dot the sour cream layer with small spoonfuls of mild salsa—no spreading needed, the pockets of flavor work best this way. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for that irresistible golden and bubbly finish.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling
Pop the assembled casserole back into your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and inviting. You’ll want to let it rest for just a few minutes before serving to let those layers set beautifully.
How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, bright garnishes take this casserole to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and a fresh pop of herbal flavor. A dollop of sour cream on each serving adds creamy coolness that contrasts wonderfully with the warm casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables bring balance to the richness of the dish. If you want more heartiness, a side of Mexican-style rice or refried beans enhances the southwestern feel and rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this casserole family-style right out of the dish for that cozy, heartfelt vibe. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into small oven-safe ramekins before baking to create charming single servings that make busy weeknight dinners feel a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This means you can enjoy the rich flavors again without needing to cook from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to save even longer, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a preheated 350℉ oven until heated through and bubbly again, usually about 20 minutes. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I make the biscuit crust gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular biscuit mix for a gluten-free version, making sure it’s suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but the casserole will still be deliciously satisfying.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a hearty combo of sautéed mushrooms and beans for a filling vegetarian option.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Definitely, homemade taco seasoning can enhance the flavor with your preferred spice blend. Use about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in place of the packet, adjusting to taste.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute providing a similar tang and creaminess.
How spicy is this casserole?
This particular recipe uses mild salsa and green chiles, so it’s gentle on heat. However, you can easily adjust spiciness by using hotter salsa or adding jalapeños to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The combination of flavors and textures is delightfully rich, hearty, and unmistakably comforting. If you haven’t tried it yet, I truly encourage you to make it soon—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home just as it is mine.
Print
Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, layered baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, a biscuit crust, a creamy sour cream and cheese mixture, topped with salsa and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole brings together bold flavors and textures for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
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
- 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix (e.g., Bisquick)
Dairy and Condiments
- 1 cup Water
- Cooking Spray (e.g., Pam)
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- ½ cup Salsa, mild
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the biscuit crust and casserole layers later.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups biscuit mix with 1 cup water. Stir well or knead with hands until fully mixed. Spray a 9 x 13” casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, until the dough is set and lightly golden. Remove and set aside while keeping the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then mix in 1 ounce taco seasoning until evenly combined. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust in the casserole dish.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 4 ounces drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to a smooth consistency. Carefully spread this creamy mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Place small spoonfuls of ½ cup mild salsa evenly on top of the sour cream mixture without spreading. Then sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Return the casserole dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps keep the casserole from becoming too greasy after cooking.
- If you prefer more spice, use medium or hot salsa and taco seasoning instead of mild.
- The biscuit crust can be swapped with pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
