Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting layered dish featuring a Cheddar Bay biscuit base topped with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar for a rich and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Biscuit Base
- 1 box Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 3/4 cup milk
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
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 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 Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, the enclosed seasoning packet, and milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Bake Biscuit Base: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the casserole dish and bake for 5 minutes to allow it to slightly set as a base layer.
- Brown Ground Beef: 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.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, water, and the packet of taco seasoning into the beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the beef with the flavorful spices.
- Layer Beef Over Biscuit Base: Remove the partially baked biscuit base from the oven and spread the beef mixture evenly over the top of it.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl,combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded Colby Jack cheese until evenly mixed. Spread this creamy cheese mixture over the beef layer.
- Add Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cheese layer for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, letting the layers set for best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner alternative.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the cheese layer.
- Using fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned can enhance flavor but may alter moisture content, so reduce added water accordingly.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- Green onions can be replaced with chives or omitted if preferred.
- If biscuit mix or Red Lobster biscuit mix is unavailable, use any cheddar biscuit mix for a similar taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 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: 80 mg
