Cattle Drive Casserole
Cattle Drive Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese beneath a fluffy biscuit topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, this one-pan dinner is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Serve it with salad or vegetables for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the beef and spread gently.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy layer.
- Arrange the biscuit dough pieces over the top, leaving small gaps between them.
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
- Fresh vegetables add extra flavor and texture.
- Soften the cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Leave gaps between biscuits so they bake evenly.
- Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven to keep the biscuits crisp.