Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish combining a cheesy biscuit base, seasoned ground beef with a southwestern twist, and creamy cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole offers a savory blend of cheddar bay biscuit crust, spicy taco-seasoned beef, and a luscious sour cream and cheese layer baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including the seasoning packet)
- 3/4 cup cold water
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 ounce can diced green chilies, undrained
Topping
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided use: 1 cup for mixing and 1 cup for topping)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- Make Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with 3/4 cup cold water until just combined. The dough will be sticky; if spreading is difficult, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray and gently spread and press the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Partially Bake the Biscuit Layer: Bake the biscuit dough in the casserole dish for 5-8 minutes until the dough is set but not fully baked. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef with the diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, 1/4 cup water, drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and undrained diced green chilies into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Layer Beef over Biscuit Base: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit layer in the casserole dish.
- Prepare and Spread Creamy Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake until Bubbly: Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Cattle Drive Casserole!
Notes
- If the biscuit dough is too sticky to spread, spraying your hands with cooking spray makes it easier without adding extra flour.
- Draining the diced tomatoes prevents excess liquid from making the casserole soggy.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with mild cheddar if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
