Cattle Drive Casserole

introduction

Cattle Drive Casserole is a simple, warm dish full of beef, cheese, and mild spice. It cooks in one dish and fills your home with a nice smell. If you like easy casseroles for family meals, try this and compare it to a bagel and cream cheese casserole for another simple comfort option.

why make this recipe

This recipe is quick, uses common pantry items, and feeds a crowd. It mixes ground beef with a biscuit mix topping for a hearty meal. You can make it for weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a no-fuss dinner similar to a crowd-pleaser like BBQ ranch chicken casserole.

how to make Cattle Drive Casserole

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef, Lean
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 4 oz Green chiles
• 1 Red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 Yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Salsa, mild
• 2 1/2 cups Biscuit mix
• 1 oz Taco seasoning mix
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1 cup Water

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add garlic powder, green chiles, red bell pepper, and yellow onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in mayonnaise, salsa, taco seasoning mix, and water.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix with the beef mixture until combined.
6. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture into it.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and dollops of sour cream.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
9. Serve warm.

how to serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Serve hot from the oven. This goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or chips and salsa. For a full Mexican-style table, add a side like a beef tamale casserole or refried beans.

how to store Cattle Drive Casserole

Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, put in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole

• Brown the beef well and drain fat to avoid a greasy dish.
• Chop the bell pepper and onion small so they cook quickly.
• If the top browns too fast, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
• Use mild or hot salsa to control spice level.
• For a crispier top, add extra shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.

variation (if any)

• Add black beans or corn for more texture and fiber.
• Use a spicy salsa or extra taco seasoning for more heat.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a sharper flavor.
• Make it with ground turkey for a lighter version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use premade biscuit dough instead of biscuit mix?
A: Yes. Cut the dough into pieces and scatter over the beef mixture. Bake until the dough cooks through.

Q: Is it okay to make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Q: How can I make this less spicy?
A: Use mild salsa and mild green chiles. Skip extra taco seasoning.

Q: Can I use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream?
A: Yes. Low-fat versions work fine and lower the fat content.

Q: What size baking dish should I use?
A: A 9×13 inch dish works well for this recipe.

Conclusion

If you want another take on this classic, see the version from Cattle Drive Casserole – The Country Cook for more tips and photos. For a short recipe guide and slight variations, check this Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe.