Cattle Drive Casserole: Hearty Dinner Favorite (Print version)

A hearty ground beef casserole with a cheddar biscuit base, taco-seasoned filling, creamy topping, and bubbly cheese.

# Ingredients:

For the biscuit base

01 - 1 box (about 11 oz/320 g) cheddar-garlic biscuit mix with seasoning packet
02 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold water
03 - Nonstick cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil, for the dish

For the beef layer

04 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 - 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning
07 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
09 - 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chiles, undrained

For the creamy topping

10 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
11 - 1/2 cup (115 g) mayonnaise
12 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or sliced green onion, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil.
02 - Stir the biscuit mix, seasoning packet, and cold water in a medium bowl just until combined. Press the sticky dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
03 - Bake the biscuit layer for 6-8 minutes, until the surface looks set but not browned. Remove the dish from the oven and keep the oven on.
04 - Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
05 - Stir in taco seasoning, 1/4 cup water, drained tomatoes, and green chiles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is saucy but not watery.
06 - In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until evenly combined.
07 - Spread the beef mixture over the biscuit base. Spoon the creamy topping over the beef, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake for 28-32 minutes, until bubbling and melted on top.
08 - Let the casserole rest for 8-10 minutes before scooping. Garnish with parsley or green onion if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers hold together.
02 - Use mild or hot taco seasoning to control the heat.
03 - Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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