Cattle Drive Casserole
A comforting, hearty casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant peppers, and creamy layers, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef Use lean beef for a healthier option
- 1 cup Water
- 2.5 cups Biscuit Mix, like Bisquick This will be the base layer
- ½ cup Salsa, mild Adds flavor without being too spicy
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix For seasoning the beef
For the Vegetable Layer
- 1 Red Bell Pepper seeded, chopped Adds sweetness and color
- 1 Yellow Onion chopped Enhances flavor with sweetness
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained Adds a mild kick
For the Creamy Layer
- ½ cup Sour Cream Adds richness
- ½ cup Mayonnaise For creaminess
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder For additional flavor
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded, divided Use a blend for more flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water until it forms a soft dough. Press it into the bottom of a greased 9x13” casserole dish and bake for 5-8 minutes until just set.
Cooking the Vegetables
- Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef, cooking for about 4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning until well mixed and remove from heat.
Assembling the Casserole
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture over the baked biscuit layer.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Top with dollops of salsa and the remaining shredded cheese before baking.
Baking
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown around the edges.
Notes
This casserole is perfect for leftovers and can be made ahead of time. Customize with leftover vegetables or different cheese blends for variety.