Cattle Drive Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the bold flavors of taco-style ingredients in a warm, satisfying casserole. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. It combines ground beef, cheese, and a biscuit crust that is easy to make and even easier to eat. It’s a one-dish meal that is filling and enjoyable, making it great for any occasion. Plus, it’s a simple way to bring a bit of southwestern flair to your cooking.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Making Cattle Drive Casserole involves a few straightforward steps. You’ll be cooking the ground beef with vegetables and spices, preparing a biscuit crust, and layering everything together before baking. This method creates a deliciously rich and flavorful casserole that will warm you up and please your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 2 Medium mixing bowls
  • 9 x 13” casserole dish

• 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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉. This is an important step as it ensures the casserole bakes evenly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it apart. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to cook it evenly. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat. You can prepare the biscuit dough while the beef is cooking.

3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir everything until it is well mixed. Using your hands can help get a good blend. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray. Then, press the dough into the dish, spreading it to cover the bottom and sides. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden. After baking, set the crust aside, but keep the oven on.

4. Cook the Vegetables: With the skillet still on the heat, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and let it cook for about 4 minutes. Add the taco seasoning to the mixture and mix it well. Once combined, remove from heat.

5. Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.

6. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder together until smooth. Spread this mixture carefully over the ground beef layer.

7. Add Salsa and Cheese: Place small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer. There’s no need to spread it out; just dollop it around. Now, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.

8. Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven without covering it. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

To serve Cattle Drive Casserole, cut it into squares and dish it out while it’s still warm. It pairs nicely with a side salad for some freshness or tortilla chips for crunch. You can also top it with extra salsa, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired. This casserole is not only delicious on its own but can also be the star of a larger meal spread.

How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

If you have any leftovers, you can store them easily. Let the casserole cool to room temperature first, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, Cattle Drive Casserole also freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

• Use Lean Meat: For a healthier option, select lean ground beef or ground turkey. This will reduce the fat content of your casserole.

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to amp up the nutrition and flavor.

• Experiment with Cheese: While the recipe calls for Cheddar Cheese Fiesta Blend, you can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of different cheeses for a unique twist.

• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy heat, consider using spicy salsa or adding jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.

Variation

You can easily make Cattle Drive Casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or beans like black beans or pinto beans. Additionally, you can add cooked quinoa for extra texture and nutrition. This variation keeps the hearty feel of the dish while catering to those who prefer less meat in their diets. You could also create a southwest-style taco casserole by adding corn and black olives for more flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just assemble everything and cover it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

3. What sides go well with this casserole?
   Cattle Drive Casserole goes well with a simple green salad, rice, or some chunky guacamole on the side for added flavor.

4. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it.

5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
   Yes, it’s a fun and hearty meal that most kids will love, especially with the cheesy goodness and familiar flavors. You can also adjust the spice level to suit their taste preferences.

Cattle Drive Casserole

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• Author: mohamed175
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty casserole combining ground beef, cheese, and a biscuit crust for a comforting, one-dish meal.

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
3. In a bowl, mix biscuit mix with water and press into a greased 9×13” casserole dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes.
4. Add onions and red bell pepper to the ground beef and cook for 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning, mix well, then remove from heat.
5. Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit layer.
6. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder. Spread over the beef layer.
7. Dollop small spoonfuls of salsa on top and sprinkle remaining cheese.
8. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Notes

Customize vegetables and cheese types as desired. Can be made vegetarian by substituting meat with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef casserole, taco-style dish