Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef layered with a biscuit mix crust, cheesy green chiles, and a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise topping. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this easy-to-make casserole brings classic Tex-Mex flavors into a comforting, bake-to-perfection meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 works fine)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 ounces diced green chiles, drained
Seasoning and Mixes
- 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2.5 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick) (Substitute: gluten-free biscuit mix if needed)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 cups sour cream (Use light mayo to reduce calories)
- 0.5 cups mayonnaise (Substitutable with Greek yogurt for a tangier layer)
- 0.5 cups mild salsa (Swap for medium for more heat)
- 0 spray cooking spray (like Pam)
Cheese
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion, sautéing until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and garlic powder, cooking for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix the Biscuit Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix to ensure a light biscuit crust.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom. Next, layer the diced green chiles and half of the shredded cheese over the meat.
- Add the Biscuit Layer: Pour the biscuit batter evenly on top of the meat and chile layer, spreading gently to cover. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the biscuit batter.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Creamy Topping: While the casserole is baking, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, and mild salsa in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Cut into 8 servings and serve each piece with a dollop of the creamy topping for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can substitute light mayo or Greek yogurt in the creamy topping to reduce calories and add tanginess.
- Use gluten-free biscuit mix if you need to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- Swap mild salsa for medium or hot salsa if you prefer more heat.
- For a richer taste, mix extra cheese into the biscuit batter before baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
