Sizzling Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Cowboy Classic

Hearty ranch-style beef and vegetable cattle drive casserole brings cowboy comfort right to your dinner table.

Dusty trails and open ranges inspired this robust meal packed with simple ingredients.

Ranchers knew how to create satisfying dishes using what they carried on long journeys.

Chunky ground beef mingles with colorful vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a warm embrace.

Bold seasonings capture the spirit of western cooking traditions.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together after a long day.

Saddle up and let this classic recipe transport you to wide-open western landscapes.

Variations For CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace taco seasoning with homemade southwest spice blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a more robust flavor profile.
• Ranch Ranch Rodeo: Swap sour cream mixture with ranch dressing and add diced jalapeños for extra kick and southern-style zest.
• Tex-Mex Veggie Stampede: Substitute ground beef with black beans and corn, add diced bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the hearty casserole texture.
• Protein Power Trail: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, incorporate quinoa into the Bisquick dough for increased protein and nutritional value.

Pairing Suggestions For CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Craft a Zesty Margarita Companion: Blend a classic lime margarita with salt rim to complement the spicy, cheesy casserole flavors and cut through the rich beef layers.
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the casserole's bold southwestern taste and cleanse the palate.
• Create a Fresh Cilantro Slaw Side: Whip up a quick cabbage slaw with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño to add bright, tangy contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Select a Bold Red Sangria: Mix a red sangria with fresh citrus fruits to enhance the casserole's southwestern profile and provide a fruity, cool counterpoint to the warm dish.

Storage Advice For CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining optimal taste.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs About CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a homemade taco seasoning blend.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The green chilies and pepper jack cheese add a mild kick, but you can control the heat by choosing mild or hot varieties of chilies and cheese.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Why CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE Is A Hearty Favorite

• Spice Up Family Dinners: This Cattle Drive Casserole brings southwestern flair to your meal with its bold, zesty flavors that everyone will love.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: One-pan cooking means minimal dishes and quick assembly, perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious and hunger strikes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra peppers to make this recipe totally your own, appealing to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with cheesy goodness and hearty beef, this casserole delivers satisfying textures and rich flavors that transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Ingredients For CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole that provides rich meaty texture.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds bold southwestern spice and depth to the ground beef.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy and tangy sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Provides melty, sharp, and spicy cheese flavor throughout the dish.

• Onion, Green Chilies: Adds aromatic and slightly spicy undertones to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Bisquick, Water: Forms a soft, bready base that supports the casserole's structure.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.

How To Make CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Minced onion
• Diced green chilies

Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until onions become soft and slightly golden.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Half of shredded cheddar cheese
• Half of shredded pepper jack cheese

Stir the ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Prepare Bisquick Dough

In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick with water until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 6: Layer The Casserole Base

Grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Spread the Bisquick dough evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 7: Add Meat Layer

Distribute the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the Bisquick dough.

Step 8: Spread Creamy Sauce

Carefully spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer, ensuring even coverage.

Step 9: Top With Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded pepper jack cheese

over the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Bake The Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Pro Tips For CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Drain excess fat from the meat to reduce overall greasiness and ensure a lighter texture.
• Enhance flavor by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat and complexity.
• Prepare the Bisquick dough carefully to avoid thick or uneven layers that might affect the casserole's texture.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting and serving easier.

CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cattle drive casserole blends rustic ranch flavors with comforting midwestern ingredients, creating a robust meal perfect for hungry families. Savory beef, cheesy layers, and crisp vegetables combine into a satisfying dinner that brings western-style warmth to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups (240 grams) bisquick
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded pepper jack cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 onion, minced
• 1 taco seasoning packet
• 1 4-ounce (113 grams) can diced green chilies, drained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with taco seasoning, stirring occasionally until completely cooked.
3. Incorporate minced onion and diced green chilies into the meat, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
4. Create a creamy blend by whisking sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses in a mixing bowl.
5. Prepare the Bisquick dough by combining the mix with water, stirring until a soft, uniform consistency develops.
6. Grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish and evenly spread the Bisquick dough across the bottom, creating a smooth base layer.
7. Distribute the seasoned ground beef mixture uniformly over the Bisquick foundation.
8. Carefully spread the prepared sour cream mixture across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Generously sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses over the top, creating a rich, melty surface.
10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for those who love extra heat.
• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to create a healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 562
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 538 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg