Description

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, comforting cowboy-inspired dish featuring ground beef seasoned with taco spices, layered with a fluffy biscuit topping, cheese, and salsa. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes up golden and bubbly, delivering deep, vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture that brings the spirit of the open range to your home kitchen.

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)

Seasonings and Mixes

1 packet taco seasoning mix (homemade seasoning can be used if desired)
1 can diced green chiles (substitute with jalapeños for extra spice)
1 tsp garlic powder (fresh garlic can substitute, adjust amount to taste)

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 Extras

1 cup cheddar cheese (fiesta blend, other cheeses like Monterey Jack can also work)
1 cup salsa (mild, can use medium for spicier kick)
1 can cooking spray (like Pam, any vegetable oil spray can work)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow the casserole to bake evenly and develop a golden top.
Brown the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions and red bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish cleaner and less greasy.
Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning mix thoroughly into the beef mixture to coat the meat and vegetables with bold flavors.
Prepare the biscuit mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, water, sour cream, mayonnaise, and diced green chiles. Stir gently until just mixed to keep the biscuit topping light and fluffy.
Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the biscuit mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture on top, then add a layer of salsa, followed by half of the cheddar cheese.
Top the casserole: Carefully spoon the remaining biscuit mixture over the beef layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into squares. This step helps the dish set for easier serving and better presentation.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives.
Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or medium salsa and swapping diced green chiles for jalapeños if preferred.
Using gluten-free biscuit mix makes the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Mayonnaise can be replaced with extra sour cream or omitted for a lighter dish.
Fresh garlic can be used in place of garlic powder but use sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors.