Why Make This Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or a filling weeknight dinner. This dish combines the flavors of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy topping, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
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.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Set aside, keeping the oven on.
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.
Assemble the Layers: Spread the beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth, then spread over the beef layer.
Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon salsa over the sour cream layer and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
To Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm. Optionally top with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole can be served straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also top it with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or avocado for added freshness and flavor.

How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Use Lean Meat: Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish less greasy.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, like corn or black beans, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, try adding some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Cattle Drive Casserole before baking it. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to three months.

2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you enjoy, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.

3. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, Cattle Drive Casserole is great for meal prep! Make a batch and portion it out for the week. It reheats well, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option.