Cattle Drive Casserole is a warm, satisfying, and flavor-packed dish that combines tender ground beef, fluffy biscuit crust, creamy sour cream, and melty cheese into one unbeatable comfort food classic. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any day when you crave hearty, home-cooked goodness, this old-fashioned favorite has all the makings of a family hit. Inspired by rustic ranch-style cooking, it brings bold Tex-Mex flavor into your kitchen without needing fancy ingredients or hours of prep. So if you’re looking for a cattle drive casserole recipe that delivers comfort, ease, and big flavor, keep reading—this is the one!
Why You’ll Love This Cattle Drive Casserole
- Bold Tex-Mex flavor thanks to taco seasoning, green chiles, and salsa
- Quick prep: easy steps and minimal cooking skills required
- Budget-friendly: uses pantry staples and ground beef
- Family favorite: creamy, cheesy, beefy layers even picky eaters enjoy
- One-dish wonder: fewer dishes, more flavor
- Versatile: great with substitutions like turkey, Greek yogurt, or different cheeses
- Make-ahead friendly: perfect for prepping and reheating
- Comfort food classic: hearty, satisfying, and nostalgic
Ingredients Breakdown (Plus Substitutions and Tips)
Main Components
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef – The hearty base of the dish. Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- 1 red bell pepper – Adds a sweet crunch and color; swap with green bell pepper for more bite.
- 1 yellow onion – Aromatic base; white or red onions work too.
- 1 oz taco seasoning mix – Key for that Tex-Mex punch. Make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder.
Biscuit Layer
- 2 ½ cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick) – Forms the bottom crust; feel free to use homemade biscuit mix.
- 1 cup water – Hydrates the biscuit mix.
Sour Cream Topping
- ½ cup sour cream + ½ cup mayonnaise – Adds tang and richness. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
- 4 oz diced green chiles (drained) – Adds gentle heat. Use jalapeños for extra spice.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – Melts beautifully; a Mexican blend or pepper jack also works.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds savory depth.
- ½ cup mild salsa – Brings moisture and flavor.
Additional
- Cooking spray – Keeps the biscuit layer from sticking.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350℉ to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it up and stir occasionally. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Layer
In a mixing bowl, stir together biscuit mix and water until a dough forms. Press the dough into a greased 9×13″ casserole dish. Pre-bake for 5–8 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
To the browned beef, add chopped onions and red bell pepper. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and remove from heat.
Step 5: Layer the Beef
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the biscuit crust.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Layer
Mix sour cream, mayo, green chiles, 3/4 cup cheese, and garlic powder. Spread over the beef layer.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Dot the top with spoonfuls of salsa, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
What is cattle drive casserole made of?
Cattle drive casserole is made from layers of biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, veggies, sour cream-mayo topping, and shredded cheese, often with salsa or green chiles for added kick.
Can I freeze cattle drive casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350℉ until hot.
What cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use pepper jack for heat or a Mexican blend for more flavor depth.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes! Just cook it the same way. You may want to add a splash of olive oil since turkey is leaner.
Is cattle drive casserole spicy?
It has a mild kick from the taco seasoning and green chiles, but you can adjust the heat with spicier salsa or jalapeños.
Best Ways to Serve
- With a side of guacamole or avocado slices
- Topped with chopped cilantro or scallions
- With a simple green salad or steamed veggies
- Crosslink: Try our Tex-Mex Cornbread Casserole for another hit!
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 22% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven or microwave until hot and bubbly
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go well with cattle drive casserole?
Corn salad, Mexican rice, or even coleslaw are great accompaniments.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Is it a good potluck dish?
Yes! It transports well and stays warm. Crowd-pleaser approved.
Variations
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower mash base instead of biscuit mix
- Gluten-free: Use GF biscuit mix or cornbread base
- Extra spicy: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce
- Vegetarian: Use black beans and mushrooms instead of beef
- Southern-style: Add corn and black-eyed peas
Conclusion & Call to Action
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, Cattle Drive Casserole hits every mark: hearty, satisfying, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Bring the taste of the ranch to your kitchen tonight, and let every cheesy bite transport you to simpler, more delicious times. Craving more comforting casseroles? Follow us on Pinterest and share your spin on this classic!
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Cattle Drive Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Hearty and satisfying, Cattle Drive Casserole is loaded with ground beef, creamy layers, and cheesy goodness—perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
Equipment
Large skillet
2 Medium mixing bowls
9 x 13″ casserole dish
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
- Cook the Ground Beef: 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. Drain off any excess fat. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is set and lightly golden. Set aside, but keep the oven on.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onions 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.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: 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.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner