Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe (With Red Lobster Biscuit Mix)

This cattle drive casserole is my new favorite dinner recipe. It's a hearty casserole filled with savory ground beef, all the Tex-Mex flavors from the spice mix, and layers of cheesy goodness. To make that even better, the cheddar bay biscuit base adds an extra layer of  texture and flavor to elevate this beyond your typical casserole.

My Easy & Cheesy Cattle Drive Casserole

If you've been following the blog, then you know I make a ton of casserole recipes. I just love convenient they are, with everything baking together and being enough to feed my entire family. 

When it comes to flavorful casseroles with a bunch of delicious layers, this cattle drive casserole is my top pick. It's a unique casserole with ground beef, filled with layers of cheddar bay biscuits, a creamy sauce, juicy ground beef, and shredded melted cheese on top to finish it off. 

I initially tried this dish for a family gathering, and it was such a hit that everyone has been requesting the recipe since! So it’s perfect for those nights when if you're hosting or cooking a family dinner and want to make something filling and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Cattle Drive Casserole

Another plus about this cattle drive casserole with cheddar bay biscuits is you don't need that many ingredients to make it!

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:

• 1 box Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• ¼ cup water
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon green onion

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, seasoning packet, and milk in a bowl.

Spread this mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for about 5 minutes to set the base.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Remove the biscuit base from the oven. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over it.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and Colby Jack cheese.

Spread this mixture over the beef layer. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake for 30 minutes until the top is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Casserole

• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice. So have patience and wait a few minutes for the casserole to cool!
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in some more veggies for more Tex-Mex flavors. I like to toss in bell peppers, black beans, and frozen corn kernels.
• Add a crunchy topping: For a little crunch and added texture, crush up some Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top of the ground beef mixture before you add the cheese.
• Make it spicy: If you like a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also serve the casserole with some hot sauce.
• Save time: For a quicker cooking process, cook the ground beef mixture the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. Then just assemble the casserole and bake it for a few extra minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It doesn't freeze well, so you'll want to finish it up within the days after making it. Fair warning though, I've never had any leftover!

To reheat, I suggest putting it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the layers intact and warm it all the way through.

FAQs About Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and the flavor works just as well in this recipe. You could also use ground chicken.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day. Just cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When you do bake it, add about 5 extra minutes since it'll be cold.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, feel free to use any shredded cheese you want! Mexican cheese, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses are delicious! I'll typically use whatever cheese I have on hand.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Since this casserole has Tex-Mex flavors, it goes really well with things like tortilla chips and guacamole, queso, Mexican street corn dip, or some roasted Mexican potatoes.

Casserole Recipes To Try Next

• Taco casserole with tortillas
• Mexican street corn casserole
• Doritos taco casserole
• Frito pie
• Mexican cornbread casserole