A Flavor Adventure Awaits
Ever craved a dish that takes you straight to a cozy campfire under the stars? Cattle Drive Casserole combines the zest of tacos with the comfort of a homemade casserole, creating a delicious melting pot of flavors. Imagine a spicy warm hug on a plate: creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. This one-pan wonder makes weeknight dinners a breeze, letting you whip up something amazing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should Cattle Drive Casserole make its way to your dinner table? For starters, it offers easy cleanup—who really enjoys scrubbing multiple pots and pans after a meal? Plus, it’s a cinch to throw together, making you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. And let’s be honest: family-friendly meals are a must! Kids and adults alike will flock to this dish like bees to honey.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
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
Follow these simple steps to whip up your casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat (bonus: you can prep the biscuit dough while the meat cooks).
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Mix well, preferably with your hands. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Set aside, keeping the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Toss chopped onions and red bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole (Overview)
Let’s break it down: start with cooking the ground beef. This gives you a chance to get those lovely aromas filling your kitchen. While the meat’s doing its thing, quickly make the biscuit layer—who doesn’t love a dash of golden goodness? Once baked, layer on the beef and a creamy mixture that will make your taste buds sing. Finally, add the salsa and a cheesetastic top. Bake it again until bubbly, and you’re done! Pro tip: Keep an eye on the oven; that cheese is going to become your best friend.
How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole
When serving Cattle Drive Casserole, you will impress everyone with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma. Serve it up straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream on top. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips to balance the richness. Trust me, the contrast is as delightful as the warm, gooey goodness that awaits! Your dinner guests will be begging for seconds!
How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cattle Drive Casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just pop it into an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, toss it in the oven for that fresh-out-the-oven vibe; microwaving is an option, but it may not stay as crisp and inviting.
Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
- Timing is Everything: Make sure not to overcook the ground beef at the beginning. No one wants dry meat!
- Ingredient Swaps: Swap beef for turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter casserole. You do you!
- Add a Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- Texture Tips: For a crunchier biscuit layer, bake it a little longer before adding the toppings.
- Layering Brilliance: Get creative with your layers! Add your favorite veggies or even some beans for extra protein.
Variation
Want to switch things up? Make it vegan by substituting ground beef with quinoa or lentils and use plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise. You could also add different cheese blends for a unique twist—think pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for smokiness. The possibilities are as endless as your cravings!
FAQs
Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and just pop it into the oven when ready.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s stored in a sealed container.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Mix well, then press the dough into a sprayed casserole dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onions and red bell pepper into the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well, then remove from heat.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
