Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine right into your kitchen. My first encounter with this casserole was during a family gathering, where its bubbling cheese and savory toppings captured everyone’s attention. The best part? This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or welcoming friends over for a casual get-together.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are plenty of reasons why Cattle Drive Casserole deserves a spot on your dinner table. Firstly, this dish offers a complete meal in one pan, integrating protein, vegetables, and delightful cheesy goodness all layered together. It’s budget-friendly, too. With just a few key ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and biscuit mix, you can whip up a satisfying feast that will please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving some familiar comfort food, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

“This casserole is like a warm hug in a dish! My kids love it, and it’s super easy to make during the week.” — A happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Cattle Drive Casserole is straightforward, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together. Start by preheating your oven, then brown the ground beef while you prepare the biscuit dough. Layer everything thoughtfully in your baking dish, and watch as it transforms into a bubbling masterpiece. In just about an hour, you’ll have a dish that’s not only comforting but full of flavor.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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

Note: If you want a bit more heat, you could opt for spicy salsa or add jalapeños.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, add the biscuit mix and water. Combine until well mixed, using your hands for better blending if needed. Coat a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray, and evenly press the biscuit dough into the dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 5-8 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
4. Cook the Vegetables: To the skillet with the beef, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
6. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In another bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, drained chiles, ¾ cup of the cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and spread it over the beef layer.
7. Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon small amounts of salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading it. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Perfect Pairings for Cattle Drive Casserole

When serving Cattle Drive Casserole, you have plenty of options to round out the meal. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish beautifully. Alternatively, corn on the cob or some crispy tortilla chips with guacamole can add a nice crunch. For a refreshing touch, consider a side of Mexican street corn (elote) to balance the flavors.

Keeping Cattle Drive Casserole Fresh Longer

If you’ve got leftovers (if that ever happens), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Just be sure to let the casserole cool completely before wrapping well and stashing it in the freezer. Reheat in the oven for the best results, ensuring it’s heated through to 165℉.

Pro Chef Tips

• If you’re short on time, store-bought taco seasoning can save the day.
• Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite toppings, such as olives or green onions.
• Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking can help it set and make it easier to serve.

Creative Twists

Want to add a twist to this classic? Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. You could also experiment with different cheeses or add a layer of avocado to elevate the creaminess.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Cattle Drive Casserole?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking adds another 30-40 minutes.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorites such as zucchini, corn, or even spinach to enhance the veggie factor.

Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, just refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge.

Cattle Drive Casserole stands out with its delightful layers and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together. Dive into this comforting dish and enjoy every savory bite!

Cattle Drive Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Contains Meat

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Description

A hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
2. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water until well mixed. Coat a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray and press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
4. To the skillet with the beef, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and remove from heat.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
6. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, drained chiles, ¾ cup of cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and spread it over the beef layer.
7. Spoon salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

You can customize with your favorite toppings or substitute for a leaner or vegetarian option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, Tex-Mex, comfort food, beef, easy dinner