Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

This Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe is packed with seasoned ground beef, a fluffy biscuit base, spicy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping. The ultimate cozy dinner!

this Recipe

Ever make a dish that instantly becomes a family favorite? That was Cattle Drive Casserole for me.

I remember the first time I made it—it was one of those “I have no idea what to make for dinner” nights. You know, when you’re staring into the fridge hoping something will magically inspire you? I had ground beef, some baking mix, shredded cheese, and a can of Rotel just sitting there, begging to be used. So, I did what any food-loving, slightly desperate home cook would do—I winged it.

I layered everything together, not expecting much. But when I pulled that bubbling, golden cheese-covered casserole out of the oven? Oh. My. Goodness. The smell alone had my family hovering like vultures. By the time I served it, everyone was silent—just the sound of forks scraping plates. And let’s be honest, when your family isn’t talking at the dinner table, you know you’ve made something amazing.

This casserole quickly became a household staple. It’s got that comfort food factor, a little bit of spice, and just the right amount of indulgence. Plus, it feeds a crowd, which is a huge win when you’ve got a house full of hungry people.

Why You’ll Love This Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe?

• It’s easy to make – No weird ingredients, no complicated steps—just good, simple food.
• Full of flavor – Between the seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and fluffy biscuit base, every bite is chef’s kiss.
• Total comfort food – If a casserole could give you a hug, this one would.
• Leftovers taste even better – Seriously, something magical happens overnight.
• Feeds a crowd – Perfect for a big family meal or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Each layer of this dish plays its part to make it next-level delicious.

The Biscuit Base

• Baking Mix (like Bisquick) – Gives the bottom layer a soft but sturdy texture that holds up to all that cheesy, beefy goodness.
• Whole Milk & Vegetable Oil – Keeps the biscuit base from drying out.

The Beefy, Spicy Filling

• Ground Beef (85/15) – The perfect balance of fat and flavor.
• Onion & Poblano Pepper – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and heat. (Swap the poblano for a bell pepper if you want it milder.)
• Taco Seasoning – Because Tex-Mex flavor is non-negotiable.
• Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles (Rotel-style) – Brings in zingy, slightly spicy goodness.

The Cheesy, Creamy Topping

• Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – Sounds weird, but trust me—this makes the casserole so creamy and rich.
• Shredded Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese – The ultimate melty, spicy duo that takes this to a whole new level.

How To Make Cattle Drive Casserole?

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Layer

In a mixing bowl, stir together baking mix, milk, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Spread it into your baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until it starts turning golden.

(This step keeps the biscuit base from getting soggy later—don’t skip it!)

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

While the base is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.

Next, toss in onion and poblano pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in taco seasoning and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1 cup of pepper jack cheese. It’ll look thick, but don’t worry—it melts into the most amazing, gooey topping once baked.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Now for the fun part—layering everything up:

1. Spoon the beef mixture over the biscuit base.
2. Scatter the diced tomatoes & green chiles on top.
3. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over everything.
4. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top (because obviously, more cheese is always a good idea).

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F, or microwave in short bursts.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it from drying out!

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling creative? Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein – Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo for a twist.
• Add beans or corn – A little extra texture and flavor never hurt!
• Kick up the spice – Toss in some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Make it gluten-free – Use a GF baking mix instead of Bisquick.

What to Serve with Cattle Drive Casserole?

This dish is already a full meal, but if you want to round it out, here are my top picks:

• Mexican Rice – Perfect for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
• Refried Beans – Because more Tex-Mex flavors = more deliciousness.
• Guacamole & Salsa – Bright, fresh flavors balance the richness.
• Cornbread – Because you can never have too much comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when ready.

Does it freeze well?
Absolutely! Wrap portions individually for easy grab-and-go meals.

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of baking mix?
Of course! Just make sure it’s light and fluffy, so it soaks up all the flavors.

Cattle Drive Casserole is comfort food at its best—cheesy, beefy, and so easy to make. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds, this is it.

So, are you making this for family dinner or meal prepping for the week? Let me know in the comments!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Savory Smothered Chicken Topped with Spinach & Mushrooms

Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs

Best Baked Chicken Tenders Wrapped in Bacon

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

This Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring a golden biscuit base, seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich, creamy cheese topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prepping!

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8 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Biscuit Base

• 2 cups all-purpose baking mix such as Bisquick
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided

For the Beef Mixture

• 2 pounds ground beef 85/15
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 medium poblano pepper or 1/2 small bell pepper seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 1-ounce envelope taco seasoning mix, or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (such as Rotel)

For the Cheese Topping

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
• 2 cups 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Biscuit Base

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, whole milk, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside while preparing the beef mixture.

Cook the Beef Mixture

1. While the biscuit base is baking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until the beef is mostly browned but still slightly pink.
2. Add the chopped onion and poblano pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and salt, ensuring the mixture is evenly coated. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully blended and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Evenly spread the beef mixture over the pre-baked biscuit base.
2. Scatter the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the beef layer.
3. Carefully spread the cheese topping over the beef and tomatoes, ensuring full coverage.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

To make this Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose baking mix with a gluten-free baking mix or a homemade gluten-free biscuit dough. Ensure that the taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients (such as diced tomatoes with green chilies) are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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