Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, Cattle Drive Casserole is about to become a new family favorite. Layered with biscuit-y goodness, a savory beef and veggie filling, melty cheddar, and a tangy “cowboy” topping, every forkful is hearty, zesty, and downright irresistible!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in making the Cattle Drive Casserole so delicious. From the biscuit layer to the creamy topping, every element brings either rich flavor, satisfying texture, or a pop of color.

• Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): The hearty base—use 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful result. Brown well for maximum savory depth.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz. can): Brings smokiness and a gentle heat without overwhelming the casserole.
• Diced green chiles (4 oz. can): These mild chilies add subtle warmth and Southwestern flair—don’t skip!
• Taco seasoning (1.25 oz. packet): All-in-one flavor magic—choose your favorite blend for zesty, balanced spices.
• Biscuit mix (2 1/2 cups): Pantry shortcut! Makes a tender, golden crust that soaks up the juices from the filling.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 3/4 cups, divided): Rich and melty, cheddar brings salty creaminess throughout the casserole.
• Red bell pepper, diced (1): Offers sweet crunch and a punch of vibrant color.
• Yellow onion, diced (1/2): Adds mild depth and extra savoriness to the beef.
• Water (1 cup): Hydrates the biscuit mix, creating a pillowy foundation for the whole dish.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creamy, tangy, and essential for the decadent topping.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve a luscious texture in the “cowboy” layer.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a subtle, all-over aromatic flavor boost.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that make all the other ingredients sing.

Variations

One of the best parts about Cattle Drive Casserole? It’s incredibly flexible! You can tailor it to your family’s tastes, swap in what you have on hand, or easily make it gluten-free or lighter if you’d like.

• Chicken instead of beef: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, tasty spin.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free biscuit or baking mix—simple, and it comes out just as comforting.
• Spicy edition: Add a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning for those who like some real heat.
• Mega-veggie version: Toss in black beans, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. It bulks up the casserole beautifully.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place ground beef, diced red bell pepper, and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is browned and the veggies have softened, stirring occasionally to break up the beef. Be sure to drain off any excess grease so your casserole isn’t oily.

Step 2: Season It Up

While the pan is still hot, sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet along with a little kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well—this ensures every bite of beef and veggies is tangy and well seasoned.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, the green chiles, and garlic powder. It should be smooth, creamy, and a little tangy—like a Southwestern ranch dip, but even better.

Step 4: Make the Biscuit Base

Next, combine the biscuit mix with 1 cup of water (add a touch more water if needed) in a separate bowl. Mix until you have a soft dough that just holds together—don’t overwork it. Gently press the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer all the way to the edges.

Step 5: Par-Bake the Crust

To avoid a soggy bottom, pop the biscuit layer into the oven for 5-7 minutes. It should just start to set and turn lightly golden—no need for full baking here since it’ll cook more later.

Step 6: Assemble All the Layers

Remove the pan from the oven. First, spread your seasoned beef and veggie mixture evenly over the biscuit crust. Next, add a layer of those fire-roasted tomatoes (use the full can—juices and all!) for another layer of flavor. Finally, gently spread the creamy sour cream topping over the tomatoes, being careful not to disturb the layers underneath. Finish by sprinkling on the rest of the shredded cheddar.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Return your assembled casserole to the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing so the layers stay neat and tidy.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole loves all your favorite Tex-Mex touches: scatter some chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or finely diced tomatoes over the top right before serving. A dollop of extra sour cream or a few sliced pickled jalapeños make things festive and add zingy color.

Side Dishes

Cattle Drive Casserole is definitely a meal all on its own, but it’s extra special with simple sides. Think crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, creamy guacamole with tortilla chips, or a cool scoop of coleslaw to balance out the warm, cheesy filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun, try cutting the casserole into squares and nestling a slice inside a warm tortilla for a Tex-Mex “pie taco.” Or, serve it out of mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look at your next potluck—everyone gets their own little “cattle drive!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cattle Drive Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the pan well in foil followed by plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat in a 325ºF oven (covered for the first 10 minutes, then uncovered to re-melt that gorgeous cheese) until warmed through. Individual slices also heat up beautifully in the microwave for a super-quick lunch or snack.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If comfort food with a bold, Southwestern twist is your happy place, I just know you’ll be hooked on Cattle Drive Casserole. Whip up a pan, share it with the people you love most, and watch it disappear—this is one recipe that feels like a warm hug every single time!

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