Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a biscuit base. It’s easy to make and ideal for a hungry family. With layers of bold Tex-Mex flavor, it’s perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.
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I love this recipe because it has everything you need for a satisfying meal—protein, veggies, and a deliciously creamy topping. The biscuit base gives it a nice texture, while the taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, and chiles add a little kick. It’s warm, cheesy, and filling, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins like ground turkey or chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
I’m here to walk you through making this flavorful casserole step by step. It comes together easily, and the layers make it extra delicious.
Prepare the Biscuit Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. I like using baking dish because it gives the biscuit base room to rise without bubbling over—and it bakes evenly every time.
In a medium bowl, mix the baking mix, milk, and a tablespoon of oil. A sturdy bowl with a grippy base, like this one, makes mixing easier without the bowl sliding all over your counter.
Spread it evenly in the dish and bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Set it aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’ve got a cast iron skillet like this, it’s great for getting a good sear on the beef and holding heat evenly.
Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through.
Stir in the diced onion, red bell pepper, taco seasoning, and salt. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Remove from heat.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1 cup each of cheddar and pepper jack cheese. This mixture adds a rich, creamy layer to balance the spice.
I always recommend shredding your own cheese because it melts better, and this box grater makes it super quick—it even comes with a little container to catch the shreds.
Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the beef mixture over the baked biscuit base. Spread the diced tomatoes and green chiles on top, then add the creamy cheese mixture.
Smooth it out evenly using a silicone spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
If you’re taking this to a get-together or want to keep it warm for later, this insulated casserole carrier is a game-changer. It fits a 9×13 dish perfectly and keeps your food hot without a balancing act in the car.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Add Preferred SourceEquipment
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups all-purpose baking mix such as Bisquick
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ small yellow onion finely chopped
- ¾ cup red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese mix divided
- 2 cups diced tomatoes and green chiles drained (such as Rotel)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.Cooking spray
- In a medium bowl, stir together the baking mix, milk, and oil. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.1 ¼ cups whole milk, 2 cups all-purpose baking mix
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through with a bit of pink remaining, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the beef into small pieces, until the beef is fully cooked and the onions soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and salt, and remove from heat. Set aside.2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 pounds ground beef, ½ small yellow onion, ¾ cup red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1 cup each of pepper jack and cheddar cheese. Set aside.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded cheese mix, ½ cup sour cream
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the par-baked biscuit in the baking dish. Top with the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles, followed by the mayonnaise mixture. Gently spread to cover, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.2 cups diced tomatoes and green chiles
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a meatless version.
- Extra spice: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for a kick.
- Cheese choices: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Drain excess grease: If your beef releases too much fat, drain it before adding the seasoning.
- Store-bought biscuit dough: You can use pre-packaged biscuit dough if you prefer. Just pre-bake it slightly before adding the beef mixture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
- Freeze: To freeze, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve got some handy tips to make this recipe even easier!
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a meatless version.
- Extra spice: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for a kick.
- Cheese choices: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Drain excess grease: If your beef releases too much fat, drain it before adding the seasoning.
- Store-bought biscuit dough: You can use pre-packaged biscuit dough if you prefer. Just pre-bake it slightly before adding the beef mixture.
How to Store Leftover Cattle Drive Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like these glass containers with locking lids—they’re microwave-safe, freezer-friendly, and stack neatly in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
To freeze, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Cattle Drive Casserole
This dish pairs well with sour cream, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, salsa, or a scoop of guacamole. For some heartier options, steak fajita nachos, twice baked potatoes, or cauliflower casserole pair perfectly!
More Recipes You Will Love
I have more delicious casseroles and comfort food ideas for you!
Very simple and good. Couldn’t find biscuit mix so made my own cornmeal biscuit layer for the bottom. Sour cream with mayo mixed into the cheese topping was inspired. Good choice for kids and teens.
Recipe bookmarked and I’ll make it again.
Glad you enjoyed it!