Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked dish combining a Cheddar Bay biscuit crust, seasoned ground beef, and layers of creamy and shredded cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal with a rich, savory flavor and a golden cheesy top.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Biscuit Base
- 1 box Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 packet biscuit mix seasoning (included in biscuit mix box)
Beef Mixture
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (typically 14.5 oz)
Cheese and Cream Layer
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon 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 base: In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, the enclosed seasoning packet that comes with the biscuit mix, and ¾ cup milk until the dough is well combined and smooth.
- Bake biscuit base: Spread the biscuit dough evenly in the prepared casserole dish and bake for 5 minutes to allow the base to slightly set before adding the toppings.
- Brown beef and onion: While the biscuit base is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the beef up with a spatula as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), ¼ cup water, and taco seasoning packet. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly with the spices and simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Assemble layers: Remove the partially baked biscuit base from the oven. Spread the prepared beef mixture evenly over the biscuit layer in the casserole dish.
- Mix creamy cheese layer: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded Colby Jack cheese until blended. Spread this creamy cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Add cheddar topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream mixture layer for a rich cheesy finish.
- Bake casserole: Bake the assembled casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top melts and turns bubbly with a golden hue.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and prevent excess fat pooling in the casserole.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños with the beef mixture or extra taco seasoning to taste.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to set, making it easier to slice cleanly.
- Green onions on top add freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich casserole.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- The biscuit base can be substituted with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
