Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a robust, flavorful dinner with a little Tex-Mex flair, this Cattle Drive Casserole is exactly the dish to try. Layered with savory seasoned beef, a creamy cheese-sour cream mixture, and a light biscuit base, it’s a filling, comforting meal that brings the bold spirit of the Old West right to your dinner table.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals, this casserole is easy to assemble yet packed with flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—everything you want in a hearty one-dish meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Tex-Mex goodness – every bite delivers bold flavors and creamy textures.
• Simple and approachable – easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive for guests.
• Comfort food classic – cheesy, creamy, and hearty.
• Kid-friendly – mild, flavorful, and fun to eat.
• Customizable – swap veggies, adjust spice, or change cheese to taste.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Layer

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef – protein-packed and savory base for the casserole.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped – adds sweetness and color.
• 1 yellow onion, chopped – aromatic and flavorful.
• 1 ounce taco seasoning mix – bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Biscuit Base

• 2 ½ cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick) – quick and easy foundation.
• 1 cup water – binds the dough.
• Cooking spray – prevents sticking.

Sour Cream & Cheese Layer

• ½ cup sour cream – creamy and tangy.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – adds richness and smooth texture.
• 4 ounces diced green chiles, drained – subtle heat and Tex-Mex flair.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, fiesta blend, divided – cheesy, melty goodness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – savory depth.

Topping

• ½ cup mild salsa – bright, slightly tangy flavor.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Preheat & Prepare Biscuit Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix and water, stirring until well blended.
3. Spray a 9×13″ casserole dish with cooking spray. Press the dough evenly into the dish.
4. Bake for 5–8 minutes, until lightly golden and set. Set aside but keep oven on.

Tip: Using your hands to mix the dough ensures a consistent texture.

Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart occasionally.
3. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking 4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in taco seasoning and remove from heat.

Assemble the Layers

1. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer carefully.
4. Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheese evenly on top.

Bake the Casserole

1. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
2. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tip: Resting allows layers to set slightly for cleaner slices.

Tips for Success

• Pre-bake the biscuit base lightly so it doesn’t get soggy under the layers.
• Adjust taco seasoning or salsa to taste for milder or spicier flavors.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Serve with fresh garnishes like cilantro or sliced avocado for extra freshness.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 2 medium mixing bowls
• 9×13″ casserole dish
• Cooking spray
• Spoon or spatula for spreading layers

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot salsa.
• Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for cooked black beans or a meat alternative.
• Cheesy Overload: Add extra shredded cheese between layers for more gooeyness.
• Low Carb: Use cauliflower biscuit mix or almond flour base instead of traditional biscuit mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Spanish rice or refried beans for a full Tex-Mex meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread to soak up any extra sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the layers in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead of biscuit mix?
Absolutely! Roll it out and prebake slightly before adding layers.

Is this casserole spicy?
Mildly, depending on your taco seasoning and salsa. Adjust for your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a gluten-free biscuit mix for the base and check that taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, layered Tex-Mex meal that’s perfect for families, potlucks, or anytime you want a warm, comforting dish with bold flavors. Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to assemble and hard not to love.

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