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Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/cattle-drive-casserole-recipe/