Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish combining a cheesy biscuit base, seasoned ground beef with vegetables, and a creamy topping of sour cream, mayo, and green chiles. Baked to perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, featuring a twist of garlic-herb seasoning and plenty of melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 11.36 oz Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (reserve the garlic herb packet)
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup Milk
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion, diced
- 1/3 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Water
Creamy Topping
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 oz canned Green Chiles, chopped and drained
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Reserved Garlic Herb Packet from Biscuit Mix
Final Topping
- 1-2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Biscuit Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 3/4 cup milk. Set aside the reserved garlic herb packet for later use. Mix until just combined.
- Form Biscuit Layer: Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking pan. Press the biscuit mixture evenly into the pan creating the base layer for your casserole.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. While cooking, add diced onion and red bell pepper and continue to brown until vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease. Add 1/4 cup water and the taco seasoning packet to the skillet, simmering until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture is thick.
- Layer Meat on Biscuit Base: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the biscuit base in the baking pan.
- Prepare Creamy Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, drained chopped green chiles, and the reserved garlic herb packet until well combined.
- Spread Creamy Topping: Evenly spread the creamy sour cream mixture on top of the meat layer in the pan.
- Add Final Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Set and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to set for 5 minutes before cutting into servings. This helps the layers firm up for clean slices.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top according to your preference for cheesiness.
- Be sure to drain the green chiles well to avoid excess moisture in the creamy topping.
- The reserved garlic herb packet adds a nice burst of flavor to the creamy layer—don't skip it.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey to make it leaner.
- Use a 9x13 inch pan to ensure even cooking and proper layering.
