Cattle Drive Casserole
Cattle Drive Casserole
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your dinner table. This one-dish meal combines savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness all nestled atop a soft biscuit-like crust. It’s a perfect way to feed a crowd or to have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please. Its versatility allows it to be customized with your favorite toppings or sides, making it a winner for any occasion.
Why make this recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole is not just delicious; it also offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing choice for any cook. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of ground beef makes it a great source of protein, while the vegetables add color, texture, and essential nutrients. Moreover, since it’s a casserole, the entire dish can cook together, which means minimal cleaning and less hassle. The combination of flavors from the taco seasoning, cheese, and green chiles creates a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Lastly, this casserole can easily be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or gatherings.
How to make Cattle Drive Casserole
Making Cattle Drive Casserole is a straightforward process that anyone can master. By following simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that looks impressive on the table. The preparation is easy and involves mixing ingredients, layering, and baking. You do not need to be a gourmet cook to achieve great results. Just gather your ingredients and follow the steps to prepare this delicious casserole effortlessly.
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, and then drain the excess fat.
- Prepare the biscuit dough by mixing the biscuit mix and water, then press this mixture into a greased 9 x 13” casserole dish. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Add the chopped onions and bell pepper to the cooked beef and cook for another 4 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and then remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of cheese, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Add spoonfuls of salsa on top, and sprinkle the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Time Breakdown
When preparing Cattle Drive Casserole, the time can be broken down as follows: expect to spend about 10 minutes on preparation, which includes chopping vegetables and preparing biscuit dough. Cooking the beef and vegetables will take another 10 minutes. The baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes. Altogether, you can have this scrumptious casserole ready to enjoy in under an hour.
How to serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Serving Cattle Drive Casserole is as easy as baking it. Once it has been taken out of the oven and allowed to cool slightly, simply cut it into squares and serve it directly from the casserole dish. You can offer additional toppings like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Pair it with a side salad or some cornbread for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
How to store Cattle Drive Casserole
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking it or after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy later, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven.
Tips to make Cattle Drive Casserole
To make the most out of your Cattle Drive Casserole, consider these tips: First, you can customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables or proteins. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Second, using a combination of cheese types, like pepper jack and cheddar, can add a rich flavor. Lastly, ensure that your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking, making it easier to serve.
Variation
Cattle Drive Casserole can be easily modified to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with black beans or lentils mixed with diced zucchini and corn. Changing the seasoning to enchilada or fajita mix can give it a whole new flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving of Cattle Drive Casserole contains approximately:
- 400 calories
- 25g fat
- 30g carbohydrates
- 20g protein
- 3g fiber
- 600mg sodium
FAQs
Can I prepare Cattle Drive Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can fully prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I serve with Cattle Drive Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, cornbread, or some tortilla chips to add some crunch.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 count Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 count Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
- 1 cup Water
- 1 can Cooking Spray, like Pam
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 cup Salsa, mild
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, and then drain the excess fat.
- Prepare the biscuit dough by mixing the biscuit mix and water, then press this mixture into a greased 9 x 13” casserole dish.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Add the chopped onions and bell pepper to the cooked beef and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and then remove from heat.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of cheese, and garlic powder.
- Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Add spoonfuls of salsa on top, and sprinkle the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
