Dinner

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Byluca Carter February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Introduction

Cattle Drive Casserole is a robust and flavorful layered dish that blends the bold spirit of the Old West with a touch of Tex-Mex flair. This comforting casserole combines seasoned ground beef, a biscuit crust, creamy layers, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

A close-up of a square glass dish filled with a cheesy lasagna being lifted by a fork. The lifted slice shows about four layers: a browned top layer of melted yellow and white cheese sprinkled with green herbs, a thick layer of cooked ground meat underneath, followed by a creamy white sauce layer, and another layer of meat at the bottom. Stretchy melted cheese strings connect the slice to the rest of the lasagna in the dish. The background is blurred with warm, soft lighting and the dish sits on a wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds lean ground beef
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped
1 ounce taco seasoning mix

2 ½ cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
1 cup water

Cooking spray (such as Pam)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise

4 ounces diced green chiles, drained
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, Fiesta blend, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup mild salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir occasionally until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: While the beef cooks, prepare the biscuit dough by combining biscuit mix and water in a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended, using your hands for thorough mixing if desired.
Step 4: Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish, spreading to the edges.
Step 5: Bake the biscuit crust in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove and set aside, keeping the oven on.

Step 6: Add chopped onions and red bell pepper to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, then stir in taco seasoning. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the baked biscuit crust in the casserole dish.
Step 8: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained green chiles, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Carefully spread this sour cream mixture over the beef layer.

Step 9: Dollop spoonfuls of salsa over the sour cream layer without spreading. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step 10: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add jalapeños or use a hot salsa instead of mild.

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
To save time, prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Use gluten-free biscuit mix to make this casserole gluten-free.

Add extra vegetables like corn or black beans into the beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. You can also freeze the baked casserole wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A glass baking dish filled with a three-layer lasagna is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a white creamy sauce with melted cheese, the middle layer is a dark brown cooked ground beef mixed with sauce, and the top layer is melted golden yellow cheese with some brown spots from baking. A silver fork lifts a square serving of lasagna, showing gooey strings of melted cheese stretching down. The top is garnished with small green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen by increasing the cooking time to about 45-60 minutes.