Here’s the full recipe for Cattle Drive Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
- One 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large nonstick skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add minced onion and diced green chilies to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion is tender and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning packet until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of each shredded cheddar cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix Bisquick mix and water until a soft dough forms.
- Spread the Bisquick dough evenly into the greased casserole dish.
- Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the Bisquick dough layer.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the Cattle Drive Casserole warm, and enjoy!
This hearty and flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Cattle Drive Casserole:
- Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Cattle Drive Casserole ahead of time by assembling the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake according to the recipe instructions.
- Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
- Yes, Cattle Drive Casserole can be frozen for longer storage. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- What can I serve with Cattle Drive Casserole?
- Cattle Drive Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a green salad, steamed vegetables, cornbread, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with toppings like salsa, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in Cattle Drive Casserole if you prefer. Just ensure that the ground meat is fully cooked and seasoned before assembling the casserole.
- Can I customize the ingredients in Cattle Drive Casserole?
- Absolutely! You can customize Cattle Drive Casserole by adding or omitting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Is there a vegetarian version of Cattle Drive Casserole?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Cattle Drive Casserole by omitting the ground beef and using cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute instead. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and cheese for added flavor and protein.
- How long does leftover Cattle Drive Casserole last in the refrigerator?
- Leftover Cattle Drive Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Top Secrets and Tips to achieve the perfect Cattle Drive Casserole:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly chopped onions and high-quality cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of the casserole.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, ensure to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Proper Onion Sauté: Make sure the onions are fully sautéed until they are tender and slightly golden for a sweeter and deeper flavor.
- Customize Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste preference. You can even make your own blend with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese, ensure it’s well-mixed to achieve a smooth, creamy layer.
- Preheat Oven Properly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Good Quality Skillet: A nonstick skillet can make cooking and cleaning up much easier.
- Don’t Over-Mix Bisquick Dough: Mix just until the dough comes together to ensure a tender crust.
- Uniform Dough Layer: Spread the Bisquick dough evenly in the casserole dish for a consistent base.
- Extra Cheese for Golden Top: Using more cheese on top can give a delicious golden brown and crispy finish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps to set the layers and makes serving easier.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like corn, black beans, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Layering is Key: Ensure even layering of the beef mixture, sour cream mixture, and cheese for consistent taste in every bite.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
- Cover with Foil: If the top is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the center is hot and bubbly before removing from the oven to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Serve with Fresh Toppings: Fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, or avocado slices can add a fresh touch when serving.
- Side Dishes: Complement with sides like a green salad, garlic bread, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Store and Reheat Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best texture.