INTRODUCTION
Cattle Drive Casserole Dish is a hearty and filling meal perfect for families and gatherings. This casserole combines the rich flavors of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables all baked together for a scrumptious dish. It is easy to prepare, making it suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions. Each bite of this dish brings comfort, warmth, and satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into creating this delightful casserole!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This casserole is a winner for many reasons. First, it is simple to make, using straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Second, it is versatile; you can change the ingredients based on what you like or have on hand. Third, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is easy. Lastly, the blend of flavors from beef, cheese, and spices creates a tasty experience that everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve it to friends or family, this casserole will surely impress.
HOW TO MAKE Cattle Drive Casserole Dish
Making Cattle Drive Casserole is simple. Just follow the steps below, and you will have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this delightful casserole, you will need:
- A large skillet
- A medium mixing bowl
- A 9×13-inch casserole dish
- A spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A cutting board and knife
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 small yellow onions, diced
- 2 packets taco seasoning or 6 tablespoons homemade taco blend
- 1 1/4 cups water, divided
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 ounces canned diced green chilies
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 14 ounces canned whole kernel corn, drained
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This will ensure your casserole cooks properly.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease once cooked.
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Add Vegetables and Seasoning: To the cooked beef, add the diced onions, diced green bell peppers, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the onions and peppers to soften and the flavors to mix well.
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Make the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick with 3/4 cup of water to form a loose dough. This dough will create the base of your casserole.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Spoon the dough into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
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Pre-Bake the Dough: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove it from the oven but keep the temperature at 350°F.
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Layer the Beef Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the par-cooked biscuit dough in the casserole dish.
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Add Tomatoes and Corn: On top of the beef layer, spread the drained diced tomatoes and corn evenly.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate medium mixing bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and green chilies. Stir until well combined.
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Spread the Topping: Carefully spread this creamy mixture on top of the beef layer in the casserole dish. Make sure it covers the beef evenly.
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Add the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
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Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. The cheese should bubble and the top should turn golden brown.
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Cool Before Serving: After baking, let the casserole sit for 7-10 minutes to set before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
HOW TO SERVE Cattle Drive Casserole Dish
To serve this delicious casserole, cut it into squares and place them on plates. You can garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with a light salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal. This casserole is filling on its own but adding sides can enhance the meal experience.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cattle Drive Casserole Dish
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap portions of the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This will help keep them fresh. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cattle Drive Casserole is great on its own, but here are a few suggestions to make it even better:
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Serve with a Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette would complement the flavors of the casserole well.
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Top with Avocado: Adding slices of avocado on top brings a fresh taste to the dish.
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Add Salsa: A spoonful of salsa on top of each serving can add a delightful kick.
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Include Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the casserole offers a creamy texture that pairs nicely with the spices.
VARIATIONS
This casserole is very versatile. Here are some variations to try:
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Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
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Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils and add more vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
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Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Bisquick?
You can make your own biscuit mix using equal parts flour, baking powder, and shortening.
Can I use fresh vegetables?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones. Just chop them and add them to the skillet to cook with the beef.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more taco seasoning or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for some heat.
Can this casserole be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cattle Drive Casserole Dish
If you want to save time, you can prep parts of the casserole ahead of time. Cook the ground beef and veggies, and mix the cheese topping the day before. Store these in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the casserole. This makes it easy to pop it in the oven for a quick dinner the next day.
By preparing this delightful Cattle Drive Casserole, you’ll bring a smile to your table. With simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Enjoy every bite!
Cattle Drive Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink and drain excess grease.
- Add diced onions, diced green bell peppers, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine Bisquick with 3/4 cup of water to form a loose dough.
- Spoon the dough into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly.
- Pre-bake the dough in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the pre-baked biscuit dough.
- Spread the drained diced tomatoes and corn evenly on top of the beef layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, black pepper, and green chilies until well combined.
- Spread the creamy topping over the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole in the oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit for 7-10 minutes before serving.