Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Cattle Drive Casserole uses fresh vegetables and lean ground beef, making every bite flavorful and nutritious.
Ease of Preparation: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Nutrition: Packed with protein and vegetables, this casserole offers a balanced meal that’s good for you and satisfying.
Versatility: This dish can be tailored easily with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home.
Presentation: The layers of colorful veggies and melted cheese create a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

With all these amazing features, you’ll find it hard not to love this Cattle Drive Casserole!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Equipment

Large skillet
2 Medium mixing bowls
9 x 13″ casserole dish

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 (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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Presentation: Serve this casserole straight from the dish for a rustic feel, or plate individual portions for a more formal setting.
Accompaniments: Pair with a simple green salad or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Portions: A 9 x 13 inch dish typically serves about 8, so it’s great for a crowd or meal prep!
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer to complement the flavors.

This Cattle Drive Casserole is sure to be a hit at your table!

Additional Tips

Flavor Enhancement: For extra flavor, add some chopped jalapeños or black olives to the beef mixture.
Customization: Feel free to swap out the cheese for a different variety or use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Serving Suggestions: Top individual servings with freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of guacamole for a tasty twist.

Recipe Variations

Tex-Mex Twist: Add corn and black beans to the beef mixture for a southwestern flair.
Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños with the beef for a spicy version.
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or a combination of beans and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian casserole.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Special Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Casserole dish
Measuring cups
Spoon or spatula
Cooking spray

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, frozen bell peppers, diced onions, and even ground beef can work well. Just ensure the beef is fully thawed before cooking.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! This casserole incorporates lean beef, vegetables, and low-fat dairy options that can make it a nutritious choice.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the layers a day in advance and refrigerate them. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to experiment with different spices, like cumin or paprika, or add different vegetables to match your taste.

5. What are the alternative cooking methods?
You can also prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Just layer the ingredients as instructed, but adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 hours on low.

Conclusion

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines robust flavors and vibrant ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s ready to bring warmth and joy to your table. Try this recipe for its delicious taste, ease of preparation, and satisfying nature. You’ll be reaching for seconds in no time!