Introduction

Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, zesty seasonings, and a cheesy biscuit base. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this casserole brings together simple ingredients for a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.

A slice of lasagna is being lifted from a glass baking dish, showing multiple layers: a bottom layer of rich, browned meat sauce, a middle layer of melted creamy white cheese mixed with ground meat, and a top layer of golden, bubbly melted cheese with bits of browned meat and chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. The cheese stretches in long strings from the slice to the rest of the lasagna left in the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred, making the lasagna the clear focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded, chopped
1 Yellow Onion, chopped
1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick
1 cup Water
Cooking Spray, like Pam
½ cup Sour Cream
½ cup Mayonnaise
4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ cup Salsa, mild

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally, then drain off any excess fat. While the meat cooks, prepare the biscuit dough.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, using your hands if possible for even blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough evenly into the dish, spreading to the edges. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Set aside but keep the oven on.
Step 4: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit layer.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
Step 7: Drop small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step 8: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

To add extra flavor, sauté the onion and bell pepper in a little olive oil before mixing with the ground beef.
Use a spicy salsa or add chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Swap the biscuit mix for cornbread mix for a Southwestern twist.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for sour cream and mayonnaise.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A thick, square slice of lasagna is shown with five visible layers, each alternating between rich brown cooked ground beef and creamy white cheese sauce, all covered by a top layer of melting bright yellow cheddar cheese with strands stretching upwards. The top is garnished with small green chopped herbs, and bits of browned beef peek through the cheese. The dish sits on a round dark plate placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?

This casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly with foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.