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Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole

A hearty Tex-Mex layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, peppers, onions, and cheese over a biscuit crust base, topped with creamy sour cream mixture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Beef Layer
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
Biscuit Base
  • 2.5 cups biscuit mix like Bisquick
  • 1 cup water
  • cooking spray
Creamy Topping
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces diced green chiles drained
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 cup mild salsa

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • 2 medium mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
  3. While beef cooks, combine biscuit mix and water in a bowl. Mix with hands until smooth dough forms.
  4. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Press biscuit dough evenly into the bottom.
  5. Bake the biscuit base for 5 to 8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove and set aside, keeping oven on.
  6. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the cooked beef. Cook for 4 minutes until softened.
  7. Stir in taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
  8. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the par-baked biscuit crust.
  9. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, three-quarters cup of cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
  10. Carefully spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
  11. Drop small spoonfuls of salsa across the top without spreading.
  12. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over everything.
  13. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  14. Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Use 90% lean or leaner ground beef to prevent excess grease
  • Don't skip par-baking the biscuit layer or it will get soggy
  • Drain beef thoroughly before adding vegetables
  • Let casserole rest before cutting for cleaner slices
  • Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking