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Cattle Drive Casserole – An Easy, Cheesy, Beefy Weeknight Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

Looking for a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, filling, and super easy to make? Meet your new favorite go-to: the Cattle Drive Casserole! This all-in-one meal is packed with seasoned ground beef, a kick of chiles, a fluffy biscuit base, and melted cheese on top — it’s the casserole version of a Tex-Mex comfort food dream. Think of it like a layered beefy bake, combining classic taco flavors with the richness of sour cream and mayonnaise, plus a hearty biscuit crust that holds everything together. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd on busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍖 Meat
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
🧅 Produce
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 oz taco seasoning mix or 2 tbsp homemade blend
🌶️ Condiments
  • 1/2 cup salsa mild or medium
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
🧀 Dairy
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
🥣 Baking & Base
  • 2 1/2 cups biscuit mix like Bisquick
  • 1 cup water
🧈 Cooking Fats
  • Cooking spray for greasing the pan

Equipment

  • Before diving into this hearty dish, grab the following tools:
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Two medium mixing bowls
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cooking spray
  • 🍽️ Tip: Prep and cook the beef layer while your oven preheats to save time.

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray your 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook:
  2. Ground beef
  3. Chopped onion
  4. Diced red bell pepper
  5. Cook until meat is browned and veggies are softened (about 8–10 minutes).
  6. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Season & Add Extras
  1. Stir in:
  2. Taco seasoning
  3. Green chiles
  4. Salsa
  5. Garlic powder
  6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and let slightly cool.
Step 4: Make the Biscuit Base
  1. In a medium bowl, mix:
  2. 2 1/2 cups biscuit mix
  3. 1 cup water
  4. Stir until just combined.
  5. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
  1. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer.
  2. In another bowl, combine:
  3. Mayonnaise
  4. Sour cream
  5. Spread this creamy layer over the meat.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
  1. Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with extra salsa, jalapeños, or chopped green onions if desired.
🥄 Serving Suggestion: Pair with a green salad or some Mexican-style street corn for a complete meal.

    Notes

    🧊 Storage & Reheating
    Refrigerator
    Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    Freezer
    Freeze fully baked casserole (or leftovers) for up to 2 months.
    Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Label and date.
    Reheating
    Reheat in the microwave in 60-second bursts or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
    🥄 Variations
    Customize your Cattle Drive Casserole to suit your family’s preferences:
    🌽 Add Corn – Mix in 1/2 cup corn kernels for a pop of sweetness.
    🌶️ Make It Spicy – Use hot salsa and add jalapeños or cayenne.
    🫘 Bean Boost – Stir in black beans or refried beans with the beef.
    🥬 Vegetable Version – Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat.
    🍠 Southwest Twist – Add roasted sweet potatoes or chipotle seasoning.
    🧀 Cheese Lovers' Edition – Use pepper jack or a cheddar blend for more melt and flavor.
    ❓ 10 FAQs
    1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
    2. What if I don’t have biscuit mix?
    Use 2 1/2 cups of homemade biscuit mix: 2 cups flour + 1 tbsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 cup butter.
    3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
    Absolutely — ground turkey or chicken both work well.
    4. What salsa is best?
    A chunky, mild or medium salsa works best for balance. Avoid watery salsas.
    5. Can I freeze it before baking?
    Yes, but it’s best to freeze after baking for better texture.
    6. Can I use low-fat sour cream and mayo?
    Yes — it slightly lightens the dish without sacrificing flavor.
    7. What veggies pair well with this dish?
    Try sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach added to the beef layer.
    8. Can I make it in a smaller pan?
    Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8x8-inch dish.
    9. What sides go well with this?
    Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a fresh tomato cucumber salad.
    10. Can I omit the cheese?
    You can, but the cheese brings richness and helps the top brown. Try dairy-free cheese if needed.
    🏁 Conclusion
    This Cattle Drive Casserole is easy, hearty, and packed with flavor — everything you want from a family-style comfort meal. It’s loaded with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, a soft biscuit base, and just the right hint of Tex-Mex kick.
    Perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers for lunch, or freezing for a future meal, this casserole is guaranteed to become part of your regular dinner rotation. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a classic that’s here to stay.