Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
If you’re hungry for a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, say hello to Cattle Drive Casserole. This family favorite has it all: a golden biscuit crust, a savory beef and tomato filling, and a creamy, cheesy topping that bakes up bubbly and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty on a busy weeknight, this casserole brings western-inspired flavors right to your kitchen table. The blend of simple pantry staples and crave-worthy layers ensures every bite is a crowd-pleasing adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cattle Drive Casserole is that every ingredient stands out but also blends into something greater. Fresh or pantry-ready, each part of the recipe brings its own flair, making for a dish that’s truly unforgettable—bold, bright, and full of flavor with a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for extra flavor depth.
- Ground beef: The classic, hearty foundation—choose lean for less grease, or standard for extra juiciness.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brings subtle sweetness and a little crunch to the mix as it softens.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel): Adds tang, color, and a gentle kick—don’t drain, you’ll want all those juices!
- Sour cream: Lends tang and creaminess to the cheesy topping layer.
- Mayonnaise: Blends with sour cream for a richer, more indulgent topping.
- Cheddar cheese (divided): Puts the “comfort” in comfort food; melt half in, sprinkle the rest on top.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out savory notes without overpowering the casserole.
- Onion powder: Doubles down on that homey, familiar flavor.
- Salt: Essential seasoning—don’t be shy, but taste as you go.
- Black pepper: Lends just the right amount of warmth and earthiness.
- Biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick): The secret shortcut to a golden, fluffy crust—just add milk.
- Milk: Brings the biscuit base together for that signature soft, pillowy layer.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—you’ll thank yourself later when slices come out clean and perfect. This simple step sets the scene for your Cattle Drive Casserole, making sure nothing sticks and every piece retains that coveted golden edge.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then cook, stirring, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess grease so your casserole isn’t too heavy. The beef and onion duo starts things off with that classic, savory base every casserole craves.
Step 3: Simmer with Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes; this brings everything together, marrying the tangy tomatoes, gentle heat from the chiles, and the robust seasoning. Remove the skillet from heat and pause to appreciate those incredible aromas!
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheesy Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. This luscious combination will become the dreamy, creamy layer that tops the meat—think of it as the secret sauce that makes Cattle Drive Casserole unforgettable.
Step 5: Prepare the Biscuit Base
In a separate bowl, stir together the biscuit baking mix and milk just until a soft dough forms—it should be sticky, but manageable. Press the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches all the corners. This buttery biscuit layer soaks up all the savory juices, providing a soft foundation for the flavors above.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
First, spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly over your biscuit crust. Next, dollop the creamy cheesy topping and gently smooth it out with a spatula so every inch is covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right on top for a gooey, golden finish. Layering is what makes each forkful of Cattle Drive Casserole genuinely special!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges bubble and the top is richly golden brown. Be patient—this is when all those flavors meld. After baking, let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes. This not only cools things down but also helps the layers set beautifully for serving.
How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions gives a pop of color and a little extra bite to every slice. If you’re looking for a bit of a spicy upgrade, scatter some thin jalapeño slices over the top before baking or just before serving. Cilantro leaves or a dash of hot sauce on the side can brighten up the plate as well—personalize your Cattle Drive Casserole with the finishing touches you love!
Side Dishes
While Cattle Drive Casserole is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some simple steamed green beans adds freshness and balance. Cornbread, sweet potato fries, or charred corn on the cob make hearty partners, especially if you’re feeding a hungry crowd or want to double down on that down-home comfort food vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking your casserole in individual ramekins for a potluck or dinner party vibe. Cut the finished casserole into squares and serve with a dollop of extra sour cream or salsa for a playful, Tex-Mex inspired plate. Or pile slices onto a rustic wooden board for family-style serving—there’s truly no wrong way to celebrate your homemade Cattle Drive Casserole!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Cattle Drive Casserole tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge—making leftovers almost as satisfying as the first slice.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole dish well with both plastic wrap and foil, or portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Cattle Drive Casserole keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a cozy meal.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch, just heat in 1-minute bursts until hot. The biscuit base softens a bit, but the cheesy top will stay golden and gooey!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in Cattle Drive Casserole. It offers a lighter flavor and less saturated fat while still delivering that same hearty texture. You might want to bump up the seasonings just a tad to bring out the best in the turkey.
What if I don’t have biscuit baking mix?
No worries if biscuit mix is missing from your pantry! You can easily make a homemade substitute with flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch of butter. Or, try using refrigerated biscuit dough pressed into the pan in a pinch—your Cattle Drive Casserole will still bake up golden and delicious.
How spicy is Cattle Drive Casserole?
With the standard diced tomatoes and green chiles, the heat is very mild and family-friendly. To kick it up, choose “hot” Rotel, stir in extra jalapeños, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Prefer things mild? Use regular canned diced tomatoes instead of the version with chiles.
Can I prepare Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats to ensure an even bake. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What’s the best way to slice and serve this casserole?
Letting your casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking is key—it helps the layers set and makes neat slices possible. Use a sharp knife and a wide spatula to lift each hearty square onto plates, making sure every serving gets some of that cheesy top and biscuit bottom!
Final Thoughts
Cattle Drive Casserole is one of those recipes that brings people together—easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests, and loaded with comfort in every bite. Give it a try and make it your own; there’s a reason this dish is a favorite in so many kitchens!
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Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a creamy topping, all baked together for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For the Biscuit Base:
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Topping: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Make Biscuit Base: In another bowl, mix biscuit baking mix with milk to form a dough. Press into the baking dish.
- Layer and Bake: Spread beef mixture over the biscuit base. Top with the sour cream mixture and remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
