Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish inspired by classic cowboy cuisine. Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheese topping, this casserole offers a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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 (such as 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 mild salsa

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. While the beef cooks, prepare the biscuit dough.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir well or use your hands for thorough blending. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough evenly into the dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep oven on.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Mix in the taco seasoning, then remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust in the casserole dish.
6. Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, diced green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth, and then carefully spread this mixture over the beef layer.
7. Step 7: Dot spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer; no need to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheese over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For added heat, include jalapeños or increase the amount of taco seasoning.
• Use ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Swap out mild salsa for a spicier variety to suit your taste.
• Make the casserole ahead by assembling and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Double the recipe and use a larger baking dish for feeding a crowd.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350℉ oven until heated through. You can also freeze the assembled casserole before baking; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What food was on the cattle drive?

During cattle drives, cowboys ate simple and practical foods such as beans, bacon, hardtack biscuits, dried meats, and stews. Fresh vegetables were scarce, so the food focused on nutrition and portability.

Why is it called a John Wayne casserole?

The “John Wayne Casserole” is a hearty, all-American dish reflecting the rugged spirit of the actor. It typically features ground beef and cheese, embodying the Western comfort food style associated with John Wayne’s image.

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 592 reviews

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, layered comfort food combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a biscuit base, topped with a creamy cheese mixture and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish draws inspiration from classic cowboy cuisine, blending robust Tex-Mex flavors with the warm, nourishing qualities of a traditional casserole, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Western / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix

Biscuit Base

• 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix (such as Bisquick)
• 1 cup Water
• Cooking Spray (like Pam)

Sour Cream Layer

• 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

Additional Topping

• ½ cup Salsa, mild

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir well, ideally using your hands to fully blend the dough. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough evenly into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and light golden brown. Remove from oven and keep the oven on.
4. Cook the Vegetables: To the skillet with cooked ground beef, add the chopped yellow onions and red bell pepper. Sauté together for about 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, ensuring the mixture is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
5. Assemble the Meat Layer: Spread the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer in the casserole dish.
6. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer: In a separate medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth, then carefully spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer to create a creamy topping.
7. Add Salsa and Remaining Cheese: Spoon small dollops of mild salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading. Then sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy finish.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole back into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can prepare the casserole ahead by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking; add 5-10 minutes extra baking time if baking cold.
• For longer storage, freeze the unbaked assembled casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
• Do not add too much liquid with the soup or other moisture-rich ingredients to avoid sogginess.
• Ensure potatoes or other vegetables are pre-cooked if using fresh to avoid undercooking.
• Use a sufficiently large baking dish to allow even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
• Season all layers properly for robust flavor, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional chili powder.
• Variations include using lean turkey or plant-based meat and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• For a spicier kick, add jalapenos, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to the meat or topping layers.

Keywords: Cattle Drive Casserole, cowboy casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef casserole, layered casserole, easy family dinner, classic American casserole