Saddle up for a hearty family dinner with this Cattle Drive Casserole. This rustic “cowboy-style” bake is classic American comfort food at its finest. It combines seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese, all topped with fluffy, golden biscuits. It’s essentially a Southwest-inspired pot pie that is hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd after a long day. With its rich flavors and satisfying biscuit topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Biscuit Topping
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the biscuit layer. As the casserole bakes, the bottom of the biscuits soaks up the savory gravy from the meat mixture, while the tops become golden, buttery, and crisp. It creates a perfect texture contrast with the creamy, cheesy beef filling underneath. Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes it incredibly fast and easy to assemble.
Hearty & Filling
This is a “stick-to-your-ribs” meal. Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the peppers and onions, it’s a complete dinner in one pan. The addition of sour cream and mayonnaise to the filling creates a creamy, tangy binder that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that requires no side dishes—just a fork and an appetite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (e.g., Grands)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown beef, onion, and peppers in a skillet. Drain.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Remove from heat.
- Stir in sour cream, mayo, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Transfer to baking dish. Top with biscuit pieces and remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until biscuits are golden.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best flavor.
Refrigerated Biscuits: Canned buttermilk or homestyle biscuits work perfectly.
Bell Peppers & Onions: The aromatic veggie base.
Taco Seasoning: Provides the spice profile.
Sour Cream & Mayo: The secret to the creamy filling.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts best for that gooey finish.
Smart Substitutions
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you want to add more nutrition, stir in a can of black beans or corn to the filling. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Homemade biscuit dough or a cornbread topping are also delicious alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Cut the raw biscuits into quarters.
Cooking Phase
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked through and veggies are soft. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to bloom the spices.
Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Scatter the quartered biscuits over the top of the meat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the biscuits.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through (check the center pieces!).
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
To ensure the biscuits bake evenly, don’t overlap them too much. Leave little gaps for heat to escape. If the top is browning too fast before the biscuits are done in the middle, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not draining the grease from the beef. Since you are adding mayo and sour cream, excess grease can make the casserole oily. Drain it well!
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 28g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve hot, straight from the baking dish. A garnish of green onions or cilantro adds a pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this is a heavy meal, a simple crisp salad with vinaigrette is the best accompaniment. If you enjoy this hearty beef bake, you’ll also love our Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for another easy weeknight win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I prep this ahead?
You can make the filling ahead, but don’t add the biscuits until right before baking, or they will get soggy.
Q2? Can I use Crescent rolls?
Yes, unroll the sheet over the top for a pot-pie style crust.
Q3? Is it spicy?
Mild taco seasoning makes it kid-friendly. Use hot seasoning for a kick.
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for meat lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with carbs—everything you want in a satisfying dinner.
