Cattle drive casserole is like the comfort food of your dreams, bringing together hearty, bold flavors in every layer. 

From the savory ground beef and colorful veggies to the creamy, cheesy topping and golden biscuit base, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy a hungry crowd—or just your family on a busy weeknight. 

The best part? It’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to match your taste buds with extras like black beans, corn, or a spicy kick of jalapeños. 

Easy to make and impossible not to love, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Section	Ingredient	Amount
Main Filling	Lean ground beef	1.5 lbs
	Red bell pepper, seeded and chopped	1 medium
	Onion, chopped	1 medium
	Taco seasoning mix	1 ounce
Biscuit Layer	Biscuit mix	2 cups
	Water	1 cup
	Cooking spray	—
Creamy Topping	Sour cream	½ cup
	Mayonnaise	½ cup
	Diced green chiles, drained	4 ounces
	Garlic powder	1 ½ teaspoons
	Mild salsa	½ cup
Cheese Layer	Cheddar cheese, shredded	2 cups

Optional Add-Ons

• Black beans or corn: Add a layer for extra texture and flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, herbal finish.
• Jalapeños: Add slices for extra heat.
• Avocado slices or guacamole: Serve on the side for a creamy, fresh contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cattle Drive Casserole

#1 Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

#2 Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until softened.

Add the taco seasoning mix and ½ cup of water. Stir well to coat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

#3 Prepare the Biscuit Layer

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with 1 cup of water. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it into all corners.

Bake the biscuit layer in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, until lightly golden and set. Remove and set aside, leaving the oven on.

#4 Assemble the Layers

Evenly spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the baked biscuit layer.

In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, diced green chiles, and ¾ cup of shredded cheese. Spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer.

Spoon salsa intermittently across the sour cream mixture—there’s no need to spread it thin.

#5 Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

#6 Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

After 25 minutes, sprinkle an additional ⅓ cup of cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

#7 Let Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Storage and Serving

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Serving: Pair the casserole with a side of fresh salad, tortilla chips, or a dollop of guacamole for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Drain excess grease: If the ground beef releases a lot of fat during cooking, drain it before adding the taco seasoning for a cleaner, less greasy dish.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust the heat by using a spicier salsa or adding extra taco seasoning.
• Even biscuit layer: Spread the biscuit dough evenly to ensure the casserole bakes uniformly.
• Cheese timing: Add the final cheese layer toward the end of baking for a perfectly melted topping.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
• Mexican-Inspired Twist: Add black beans, corn, or a layer of refried beans for extra flavor.
• Breakfast Casserole: Swap the ground beef with cooked breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a morning-friendly version.

In Conclusion

Cattle drive casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty flavors, creamy layers, and a golden biscuit base into one irresistible dish. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to suit your family’s taste buds. 

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and savor the rich, cheesy, and perfectly spiced flavors that make this dish a standout!