Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese mixtures, and finished with a biscuit mix base and a melty cheddar cheese topping, making it a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Biscuit Base
- 1 box Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 3/4 cup milk
Beef Layer
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Biscuit Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, the enclosed seasoning packet, and milk until well combined to form the biscuit base batter.
- Bake Biscuit Base: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the casserole dish and bake for 5 minutes to slightly set the base.
- Cook Beef and Onion: While the biscuit base bakes, brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until fully browned.
- Drain Excess Grease: After browning, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, water, and taco seasoning into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly to coat the beef with flavorful spices.
- Layer Beef Mixture: Remove the biscuit base from the oven and spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over it in the casserole dish.
- Mix Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded Colby Jack cheese, then spread this creamy cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Add Cheddar Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a melty, cheesy finish and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and has a golden hue.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Substitute the canned diced tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- For a spicier casserole, add extra taco seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the beef layer.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure the casserole cools sufficiently before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
