Cattle Drive Casserole

Update : February 1, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and brings a taste of the West to your dinner table. With layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy biscuit dough, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to please everyone!

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Ingredients

1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and 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)

Equipment

Large skillet
2 Medium mixing bowls
9 x 13” casserole dish

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350℉.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat. (While the meat cooks, you can prepare the biscuit dough.)
Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir until well mixed, ideally using your hands for thorough blending. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and press the dough into the dish, spreading it to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes or until the dough is set and lightly golden. Set aside, but keep the oven on.
Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on top of the baked biscuit layer.
Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the ground beef layer.
Add Salsa and Cheese: Add small spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer (no need to spread it out). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Serve hot right out of the oven. Cattle Drive Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips. You can also add extra salsa on the side for those who like a little more kick!

How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

Let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through.

Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add jalapeños to the beef mixture.
If you want a crunchier topping, consider broiling the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Variation

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, you can use different cheese blends if you prefer a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it before serving.

2. Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with meat alternatives, such as lentils or quinoa, and ensure all other ingredients are free from animal products.