Making a hearty main dish that delights family and friends can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Enter Cattle Drive Casserole—a delicious comfort food that balances savory ground beef, fluffy biscuit dough, and a creamy topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, this recipe has everything you need for a satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures is not just appealing; it also brings a sense of home-cooked comfort that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you serve this casserole, it will quickly become a favorite on your table.

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

What makes Cattle Drive Casserole so special? For starters, it is a one-dish wonder that combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one cohesive bake. Not only is it budget-friendly, using simple ingredients, but it’s also quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This casserole is easily adaptable, making it an ideal choice for picky eaters or families with different dietary preferences.

"This casserole exceeded my expectations! It was packed with flavor and so easy to make. It has officially become a staple in my home!"

Preparing Cattle Drive Casserole

To make this delectable casserole, you’ll be taking a few simple steps. Begin by cooking lean ground beef with spices and veggies, then layer it on a pre-baked biscuit base. Top it with a creamy mix and cheesy goodness before baking. The process is straightforward enough for beginner cooks but remains satisfying for the more experienced. Just follow through the steps and watch how your kitchen transforms into a warm, inviting space filled with mouth-watering aromas.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a straightforward list of the essentials for Cattle Drive 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 Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded (divided)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ cup Salsa (mild)

Feel free to swap in low-fat substitutes for the sour cream and mayonnaise if you’re looking for a lighter version!

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Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and let it preheat.
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 any excess fat.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water. Mix thoroughly, ideally using your hands. Spray a 9 x 13” casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish evenly. Bake for about 5-8 minutes until just set and lightly golden. Keep the oven on.
Cook the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onions and red bell pepper into the ground beef. Cook for about 4 minutes until they soften. Mix in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
Assemble the Layers: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the biscuit base in the casserole dish.
Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
Add Salsa and Cheese: Top with small spoonfuls of salsa (no need to spread). Finish with the remaining shredded cheese evenly sprinkled on top.
Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Perfect Pairings for Cattle Drive Casserole

What goes best with Cattle Drive Casserole? The options are limitless! A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole. For something heartier, consider serving some garlic bread or corn on the cob on the side. You could even enjoy it alongside some guacamole or fresh avocado slices for an extra dose of flavor!

Best Way to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

To store your Cattle Drive Casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as per instructions. Always ensure you reheat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃) for safe consumption.

Helpful Hints

If you prefer a spicier twist, consider using spicy taco seasoning or adding jalapeños to the beef mixture.
For a lighter version, you could use ground turkey in place of beef, and light sour cream instead of traditional options.
Pressing the biscuit mix evenly into the dish helps to achieve that perfect base—don’t skip this step!

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with this casserole. Want a tex-mex spin? Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture. For a creamy twist, mix in some cream cheese with the sour cream layer. You can even swap the cheese for pepper jack for a kick. The possibilities are endless!

Common Questions

What is the prep time for this casserole? Generally, you should expect about 15-20 minutes for prep, followed by about 40 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare the layers in advance and assemble them in the casserole dish. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to include other veggies like zucchini or even spinach to boost the nutrition factor.

Embrace the warmth and nostalgia of home cooking with this delightful Cattle Drive Casserole. From beginner cooks to seasoned chefs, everyone will enjoy the robust flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!

Cattle Drive Casserole

Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A hearty casserole that combines savory ground beef, fluffy biscuit dough, and a creamy topping, perfect for comfort food lovers.

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 Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded (divided)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ cup Salsa (mild)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and let it preheat.
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 any excess fat.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water. Mix thoroughly, ideally using your hands. Spray a 9 x 13” casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish evenly. Bake for about 5-8 minutes until just set and lightly golden. Keep the oven on.
Cook the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onions and red bell pepper into the ground beef. Cook for about 4 minutes until they soften. Mix in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
Assemble the Layers: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the biscuit base in the casserole dish.
Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
Add Salsa and Cheese: Top with small spoonfuls of salsa (no need to spread). Finish with the remaining shredded cheese evenly sprinkled on top.
Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap sour cream and mayonnaise with low-fat substitutes. You can also use ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef recipes, family dinner, easy recipes