If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting casserole layers spicy taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese goodness, and a golden cheddar bay biscuit crust that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with eager smiles and empty plates, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with nine food items arranged neatly. At the top left, there is a yellow-topped white bottle of mayonnaise, next to a black box of cheddar bay biscuit mix with a picture of biscuits on it. To the right, a white bowl filled with shredded yellow and orange cheese sits. Below the mayonnaise, a white container of sour cream is placed beside two small seasoning containers: one with green parsley flakes and another with yellow seasoning. Next to these is a red can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. At the bottom left, there is a bright yellow packet of taco seasoning mix. In the middle bottom, a whole onion rests, and to the right, a white plate holds a portion of raw ground meat with a bright pinkish-red color. The surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward making your kitchen smell irresistible. Each element plays a crucial role: the biscuit mix brings a buttery biscuit crust that crisps as it bakes, while the seasoned beef adds robust, smoky notes. Creamy mayo and sour cream balance the spice and add richness, finished off with plenty of melty Colby Jack cheese to pull it all together.

  • Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This adds a savory, cheesy crust that’s tender inside and slightly crispy on top.
  • Cold water (for biscuit mix): Helps activate the biscuit mix to form the perfect dough texture.
  • Ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
  • Onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that complements the beef perfectly.
  • Taco seasoning packet: Brings classic Southwest flavors and a mild kick to the filling.
  • Water (for taco seasoning): Helps simmer the taco mixture for a saucy finish.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained: Adds smoky tomato depth without excess liquid.
  • Diced green chilies, undrained: Offers a mild heat and a bit of texture to brighten the filling.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the layers beautifully.
  • Sour cream: Brings a tangy richness that mellows the spice.
  • Shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness both inside and on top.
  • Dried parsley flakes (optional for topping): Adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness on the finished casserole.
TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with cold water in a bowl, mixing just until it comes together into a dough. If it feels sticky, spraying your hands with some cooking spray will help you spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. This biscuit crust is a total game-changer, creating a crispy, cheesy base that sets the stage for all the delicious layers on top.

Step 2: Partially Bake the Crust

Bake the biscuit dough at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes so that it firms up but doesn’t brown completely. This step is key to ensure the crust stays firm and adds texture, preventing the filling from making it soggy. Set it aside once it’s ready.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

While the biscuit crust is in the oven, heat a large skillet on medium and cook the ground beef along with diced onions until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra grease if needed for a cleaner taste. Then stir in the taco seasoning with water, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, and the green chilies with their juices. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to thicken up just right.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Spread the taco-seasoned beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit crust. Then, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and half the shredded Colby Jack cheese in a bowl. Spread this creamy, cheesy layer over the beef, creating a luscious contrast to the savory filling. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake the entire casserole at 375°F for 30 minutes until the top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so that all those rich layers can set beautifully. If you like, a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes on top adds a pretty touch and a bit of fresh flavor.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

The image shows two white rectangular baking dishes placed side by side on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. Both dishes have a thick top layer of shredded cheese covering the entire surface. The left dish has a layer of white shredded cheese with a creamy texture, while the right dish is topped with a bright yellow shredded cheese layer. A red and white checkered cloth is partially under the wooden board near the bottom left corner. In the background, there are two small containers with salt and pepper. A woman's hand is not visible but implied as in the instructions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your casserole with fresh parsley flakes adds a vibrant contrast against the cheesy golden top. If you want an extra fresh touch, diced green onions or a dollop of sour cream on each serving bring brightness and creaminess that works perfectly with the bold flavors of the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to hold center stage, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the indulgence. You might also like serving it alongside a zesty corn salad or fresh salsa to echo the Southwestern inspiration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a fun dinner party presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top after baking for an added crunch boost or offer a side of sliced avocado to up the indulgence factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option or a quick dinner solution on busy nights.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it as usual, covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This recipe holds up wonderfully to reheating without losing its creamy, cheesy charm.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein like lentils or soy crumbles, and use vegetable broth with the taco seasoning for the same delicious, hearty flavor.

What can I substitute for the biscuit mix?

If you don’t have Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, a savory biscuit or biscuit mix with added cheese works well too. You can also try making your own cheddar biscuit dough for a homemade touch.

Is this casserole spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies, but it’s very family-friendly. Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning depending on your preference.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely. Colby Jack is great for meltability and flavor, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses will also work beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The entire Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe from start to finish takes about 55 minutes, including baking time, making it an excellent midweek meal that feels like special comfort food.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe that makes you feel right at home with every bite. It’s easy enough to toss together on a weeknight but rich and satisfying enough to serve for guests. If you love cozy casseroles with bold, comforting flavors, this one’s a must-try. I promise, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Print

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish combining a cheesy biscuit base with seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and creamy toppings. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner, featuring a delightful blend of savory and creamy textures all baked to bubbly perfection.

  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Biscuit Layer

  • 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including the seasoning packet)
  • 3/4 cup cold water

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 4 ounce can diced green chilies, undrained

Creamy Topping

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided use)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix including the seasoning packet with 3/4 cup cold water. Stir until just combined into a dough. Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. If sticky, lightly spray your hands and gently press the dough to spread.
  3. Partially Bake Biscuit Layer: Bake the biscuit dough at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, just until the dough is set but not fully cooked. Remove from oven and set aside.
  4. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  5. Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in taco seasoning, 1/4 cup water, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained), and diced green chilies (with juice). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  6. Layer Beef Over Biscuit Base: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the partially baked biscuit layer in the casserole dish.
  7. Prepare and Add Creamy Topping: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the beef layer.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the creamy layer to create a cheesy crust.
  9. Bake Until Bubbly: Return the casserole to the oven and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with dried parsley flakes if desired before serving. Enjoy your hearty Cattle Drive Casserole!

Notes

  • If the biscuit dough is too sticky to spread, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to help spread and press the dough evenly.
  • You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

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