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Cattle Drive Casserole

A legendary layered Tex-Mex casserole with a fluffy biscuit base, taco-seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a tangy sour cream and cheddar topping baked golden and bubbling in 50 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cup Bisquick or Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix Red Lobster Cheddar Bay mix recommended for extra flavor
  • 1 cup water or 3/4 cup milk if using the box mix
  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 1 oz packet
  • 0.25 cup water for the taco seasoning
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra handful for topping
  • 1 can diced green chiles 4 oz can, drained
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles 10 oz can, drained thoroughly

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
  2. Mix the Bisquick and water in a bowl until a soft dough forms. Spray your fingers or a spatula lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Optional: Pre-bake the crust alone for 5 to 8 minutes to firm the surface before adding toppings.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and red bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
  4. Stir the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water into the beef. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
  5. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the biscuit dough. Scatter the drained Rotel tomatoes over the beef layer and spread to the edges.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and drained green chiles until smooth. Spread evenly over the Rotel layer using the back of a spoon, working to the edges without pressing down into the layers below.
  7. Sprinkle a generous handful of extra shredded cheddar over the entire surface.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbling across the surface and golden at the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the corner biscuit base comes out without raw dough.
  9. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Use a flat metal spatula for clean, intact servings.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Flavor improves overnight. Reheat covered with foil at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes or microwave at medium power in 60-second intervals. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken to lighten. Two tubes of refrigerated pop-can biscuits pressed into a single sheet works in place of mixed dough. Use hot Rotel for more heat. Add a drained can of black beans to the beef layer for extra fiber. Serving: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or guacamole. Pairs well with Mexican street corn salad or refried beans. Pro tip: Drain Rotel and green chiles thoroughly to prevent a soggy biscuit base.