Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish inspired by the rugged spirit of the Old West together with a Tex-Mex influence.
This kid-friendly casserole is a delicious meal and the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
What Is Cattle Drive Casserole?
Think of this as a “souped up” easy ground beef casserole recipe, or hamburger casserole. It includes zesty flavors of taco seasoning, Fiesta Blend or shredded cheddar cheese and diced green chiles. All of this, on top of a biscuit layer.
I’ve seen variations of this called Cowboy Casserole or John Wayne Casserole. It makes quite a bit so it’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. It’s not spicy (unless you include some of the add-ins below), so it’s perfect for the kids too.
Ingredients
This recipe is made in layers then baked until bubbly. The ingredients are fairly common and perfect for lovers of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Biscuit Layer
Use a biscuit mix to make the biscuit layer. We use Pioneer brand but you can also use Bisquick mix. If you prefer, you can use two tubes of biscuits already made. Simply press them in well before the initial baking.
Ground Beef Layer
The ground beef layer is made with onion, bell pepper and packet taco seasoning for flavor. Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
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Sour Cream Mixture
The sour cream layer is flavored with cheese and green chiles. A little bit of mild salsa is added to the top for extra flavor and color.
More Cheese
End with a nice layer of shredded cheese because there’s nothing better than a cheesy casserole.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of a casserole like this is that you could use all your favorite add-ins. Think of everything you love in a burrito and you can be enjoying a hearty meal to mimic your favorite burrito or taco in no time.
Making It Spicy
This casserole isn’t spicy, but you can make it spicy, if you like. Add chopped jalapenos when you’re adding the onions and bell pepper to the ground beef. Or, layer some pickled jalapenos on top of the sour cream layer or on the very top. Use spicy salsa instead of mild.
I prefer to spice things up individually too, on the plate. My personal favorite is Rooster sauce, sriracha. Or, maybe sprinkle on some cayenne or ground jalapeno.
Other Add-Ins
Try adding frozen corn kernels to the ground beef layer. You could also add some cooked pinto beans or about one cup cooked rice.
Crush some Fritos corn chips on top of the ground beef layer, before adding the sour cream mixture.
More Recipes You May Like
If you like this recipe, I’m sure you’ll like these as well.
- Pork Tamale Casserole
- Mexican Stuffed Shells
- Sour Cream Enchiladas (Tacos de Jocoqui)
- Green Chicken Enchiladas
Recipe
Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
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For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.
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 oven to 350℉.
- Place ground beef in skillet. Break apart with spoon and cook on medium high until no longer pink, stirring as necessary. Drain off excess fat. (You can make the biscuit dough while the meat is cooking.)
- Place bixcuit mix and water in mixing bowl. Stir together. This is best done with your hands to get it thoroughly mixed. Spray casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into it, filling all the way out to the edges. Place in preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Set aside. Do not turn off oven.
- Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to ground beef. Stir and continue cooking about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning mix, stir well to coat. Remove from stove.
- Add the ground beef mixture on top of the biscuit layer and spread evenly all the way to the edges.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup shredded cheese and garlic powder. Mix well. Carefully spread sour cream mixture as a layer on top of the ground beef mixture.
- Add small spoonfuls of salsa intermittently over the top of the sour cream layer. No need to spread it thin. Add the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Place in preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 30 minutes until warm and bubbly.
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Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
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Maggie says
Delicious looking casserole! I just bought some green chiles. I think I know what I’m making with it. Thanks for the recipe!
Gwynn Galvin says
My family loved this recipe. Great flavor and so easy to make too!
Luke Ratford says
A great midweek meal full of superb flavours, the kids loved this recipe 🙂
Ann says
This is a great casserole recipe! An easy meal to make for busy weeknights. Thanks for the recipe share!
Cathleen says
This casserole looks exactly like something my entire family will love!! I am saving this for when they visit on Wednesday. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh my gosh! Such a mouthwatering dish to make. Seeing this makes me really hungry, yum!
Jamie says
Wow! This casserole dish looks amazingly delicious! The presentation makes it so enticing and very appealing! I just love the juiciness of this recipe!