Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to saddle up and ride into the sunset with a casserole that’s as hearty as it is delicious? Look no further than this Cattle Drive Casserole! Perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family of five or just need a comforting meal that’s ready in no time, this casserole is your new go-to. Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves easy pasta recipes and 30-minute meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavorful ingredients that everyone will love.
- A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Can be made ahead and stored for later—great for meal prep!
- A delicious twist on traditional casseroles with a Wild West flair.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cattle Drive Casserole:
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, 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
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this Cattle Drive Casserole. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll have it ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350℉. While it’s heating up, you can start prepping the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Bake
Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make this Cattle Drive Casserole even better:
- Use lean ground beef to keep it healthy and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough—it should be just combined.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
How to Serve
This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also a great option for cookouts or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
There you have it, folks! A delicious and easy Cattle Drive Casserole that’s perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals. Give it a try tonight and let me know what you think!
Ready to get started? Click here for the full Cattle Drive Casserole recipe card.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the biscuit dough by mixing biscuit mix and water. Press the dough into a greased 9x13" casserole dish and bake for 5-8 minutes until set.
- Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Cook for 4 minutes, then stir in taco seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit layer. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, green chiles, ¾ cup cheese, and garlic powder, then spread over the beef. Top with salsa and remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.