why make this recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a complete meal in one, combining ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy goodness all topped with a delicious biscuit crust. This dish is not only tasty but also simple to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. If you’re looking for something filling and satisfying, this casserole is a fantastic choice.
how to make Cattle Drive Casserole
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 Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ cup Salsa, mild
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
- 9 x 13″ casserole dish
Directions :
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Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
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Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
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Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden. Set aside but keep the oven on.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
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Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
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Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
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Add Salsa and Cheese: Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
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Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
how to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Cattle Drive Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can cut it into squares and serve it as is or with additional salsa on the side. A simple green salad or some tortilla chips can complement this dish nicely.
how to store Cattle Drive Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like corn or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, use hot salsa or add some diced fresh jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Using a mix of cheeses can add different flavors and textures; try pepper jack for a kick!
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a nice touch to the presentation.
- Pair with a side of guacamole for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cattle Drive Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a winner for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s easy to prepare and will surely become a favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of Cattle Drive Casserole?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans and additional vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 each Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 each Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
- 1 cup Water
- 1 can Cooking Spray, like Pam
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 cup Salsa, mild
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden. Set aside but keep the oven on.
- Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
Assembly
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
Baking
- Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.