why make this recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that blends the flavors of taco night with the ease of a casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time. With ground beef, veggies, and a cheesy topping, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to manage!

how to make Cattle Drive Casserole

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, 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. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
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.
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 cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
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.
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.
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

Serve your Cattle Drive Casserole hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or tortilla chips. You can also add extra salsa or sour cream on top for added flavor.

how to store Cattle Drive Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s warm.

tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole

Use lean ground beef to keep it healthier.
Feel free to add more vegetables like corn or black beans for extra nutrition.
For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add jalapeños to the mixture.

Serving Ideas

This casserole is great as a main dish. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some seasoned rice. It’s also fun to create a build-your-own taco bar with toppings like avocado, green onions, and extra cheese.

Final Thoughts

Cattle Drive Casserole is not just filling, it’s also a fun dish to make with the family. With its great taste and easy preparation, this recipe will have everyone asking for more. It’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative to make this dish.

2. How long can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool first and store it in a freezer-safe container.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
It goes well with a side salad, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with extra toppings like guacamole or jalapeños.