Description

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting cowboy-style dish perfect for family dinners. This layered casserole features seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and onions, combined with a fluffy biscuit topping and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings vibrant Tex-Mex flavors and a satisfying mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory tastes. Whether you stick to classic beef or opt for plant-based alternatives, this casserole promises a wholesome, filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Substitute with plant-based meat for vegetarian option)
1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Can use green bell pepper for a more earthy flavor)
1 medium Yellow Onion (Substitute with shallots if preferred)
1 can Diced Green Chiles (Substitute with jalapeños for extra spice)

Seasoning and Sauce

1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix (Homemade seasoning can be used if desired)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can substitute, adjust amount to taste)
1 cup Salsa (mild) (Can use medium for a spicier kick)

Biscuit Topping

2 cups Biscuit Mix (like Bisquick) (Can substitute with gluten-free biscuit mix)
2/3 cup Water
1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt serves as a healthy substitute)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Can replace with extra sour cream or omit for a lighter version)

Cheese and Cooking

1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Fiesta Blend) (Other cheeses like Monterey Jack can also work)
1 can Cooking Spray (like Pam) (Any vegetable oil spray can work)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly, ensuring a golden brown top.
Sauté vegetables and beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Stir frequently until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix thoroughly into the beef and vegetable mixture to infuse the rich, smoky flavors.
Prepare biscuit mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, water, sour cream, mayonnaise, and diced green chiles. Stir gently just until mixed well to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
Layer the casserole: Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the biscuit mixture evenly on the bottom. Add the cooked beef mixture on top, followed by a layer of salsa, and then sprinkle half of the cheese over the layers.
Top with remaining biscuit and cheese: Spoon the remaining biscuit mixture over the beef layer, then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into squares to allow it to set, making serving easier and tidy.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat.
Use gluten-free biscuit mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
For spicier flavor, swap mild salsa and green chiles with medium salsa and jalapeños.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
Adjust garlic amount if using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
To lighten the dish, omit mayonnaise or replace it with additional sour cream.
Ensure to drain excess fat from beef to reduce grease and calories.