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Cattle Drive Casserole
Imagine a hearty dish that combines the essence of a cozy gathering with a bit of cowboy spirit. Cattle Drive Casserole is just that—comfort food that brings family and friends together, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast. I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening when I needed something warm and satisfying, and it quickly became a family favorite. With rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many!
Why This Recipe Stands Out
You might be wondering what makes Cattle Drive Casserole so special. Well, here’s the scoop: it’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile! Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy goodness, it effortlessly pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s budget-friendly, making it a perfect option for weekday meals, yet impressive enough to serve during family gatherings or game day barbecue.
"This casserole is a lifesaver! It’s super easy to make and my kids loved it. I’ll definitely be adding it to our regular rotation." – Satisfied Parent
Your Easy Cooking Guide
This dish might sound intricate, but the steps are straightforward and user-friendly. You’ll first cook the beef with veggies and seasonings, then layer it with a delectable biscuit foundation and a creamy topping. After a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to serve. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need before diving into the directions.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to whip up this hearty casserole:
- 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 shredded cheddar cheese (Fiesta blend), divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup mild salsa
Feel free to switch things up! Swap ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based alternative. You can also add different veggies based on what you have on hand!
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Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and break it apart. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the biscuit mix and water until combined. Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 13” casserole dish and bake for 5-8 minutes until slightly golden.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add onions and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 4 minutes, then stir in the taco seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and spread over the beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Place small spoonfuls of salsa on top of the sour cream layer and sprinkle remaining cheese over everything.
- Bake: Return to the oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Perfect Pairings for Cattle Drive Casserole
Serving this casserole can be just as fun as preparing it! Here are a few ideas to complement your dish:
- Side Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread: A slice of cornbread adds a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with the savory casserole.
- Fresh Guacamole and Chips: Elevate your meal with a refreshing dip that adds texture and flavor.
- Sliced Avocado: Simple and nutritious, sliced avocado can add creaminess to your plate.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but still), they can be saved! Store your casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions; just ensure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Keeping the meat juicy is key to the overall flavor.
- Mix with Your Hands: When preparing the biscuit mix, using your hands can actually yield a better dough consistency.
- Make Ahead: Prep the casserole a day in advance and just bake it when ready to serve, making weeknight dinners super easy.
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize your Cattle Drive Casserole! Try incorporating different spices for unique flavors, add black beans for extra protein, or exchange the cheddar cheese for something sharper or more flavorful. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability!
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
The preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, and the baking takes an additional 30 minutes, totaling around 50 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well, and you can even opt for a plant-based ground meat if you prefer a vegetarian option.
How do I safely store leftovers?
Let the casserole cool, then place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or be frozen for longer storage.
Is it reheatable?
Yes! You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350℉ until heated through.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free biscuit mix, you can easily adapt this recipe to meet gluten-free needs.
As you can see, Cattle Drive Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy this delicious trove of flavors while creating memories with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Print
Cattle Drive Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty casserole combining ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 shredded cheddar cheese (Fiesta blend), divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup mild salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Mix biscuit mix and water in a bowl, spread into a greased 9 x 13” casserole dish, and bake for 5-8 minutes until slightly golden.
- Add onions and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 4 minutes, then stir in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder until smooth; spread over the beef layer.
- Add spoonfuls of salsa on top and sprinkle remaining cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or use a gluten-free biscuit mix for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner
