Cattle Drive Casserole 

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy topping, all baked atop a biscuit base. This one-pan meal offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows for various adaptations, such as using ground turkey for a lighter version or adding extra vegetables to suit dietary preferences. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing a comforting meal for your family, this casserole is sure to please. 

🧄 Ingredients

• 2 cups (246 g) all-purpose baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)

• 1¼ cups whole milk

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

• 2 pounds (907 g) ground beef (85/15)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

• 1 medium poblano chile or ½ small bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about ¾ cup)

• 1 (1-ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix, or 3 tablespoons homemade

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded pepper jack cheese, divided

• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained (e.g., Rotel) 

🔪 Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Biscuit Layer: In a medium bowl, stir together the baking mix, milk, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until a dough forms. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Cook the Beef Mixture: While the biscuit layer bakes, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and poblano chile (or bell pepper), and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and salt, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the par-baked biscuit layer. Spoon the creamy mixture over the beef layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup each of shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses over the top.

6. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

📊 Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 496 kcal

• Total Fat: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 90 mg

• Sodium: 1,400 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Dietary Fiber: 7 g

• Sugars: 18 g

• Protein: 26 g