Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, a biscuit dough base, creamy cheese and sour cream layers, and a melty cheese topping. It's a comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, combining the spirit of the Old West with delicious southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
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 Layer
- 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix (e.g., Bisquick)
- 1 cup Water
- Cooking Spray (such as 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 (¾ cup and ¾ cup)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Additional Toppings
- ½ cup Mild Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the biscuit layer and the assembled casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until completely browned with no pink remaining. Stir occasionally and then drain off any excess fat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: While the beef cooks, mix 2 ½ cups biscuit mix with 1 cup water in a bowl until well blended, using your hands if possible for thorough mixing. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish to cover the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the dough is just set and lightly golden. Remove and keep the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and blend thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust base in the casserole dish.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the ground beef layer.
- Add Salsa and Cheese Topping: Dollop spoonfuls of mild salsa sporadically over the sour cream layer without spreading. Then sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is thoroughly heated, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can use a biscuit mix substitute like homemade biscuit dough or refrigerated biscuit dough if preferred.
- Adjust the spiciness of the taco seasoning and salsa to suit your taste.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling crushed tortilla chips or sliced olives on top before baking.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before the final bake; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
