Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and cheesy recipe, which is made with a savory biscuit base and a zesty taco-seasoned beef filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a complete one-dish meal perfect for a hungry family, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole Ingredients
A Tex-Mex inspired combination for a satisfying, all-in-one dinner.
- 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 pounds 85/15 ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium poblano chile, seeded and chopped
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel), drained
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly flavorful and hearty one-dish meal.
- Par-Bake the Biscuit Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together the baking mix, milk, and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Spread this batter evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until it’s just starting to turn golden brown.
- Cook the Beef Filling: While the base bakes, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s almost cooked through. Add the chopped onion and poblano and continue to cook, breaking up the beef, until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Stir in the taco seasoning and salt.
- Make the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 cup of the pepper jack cheese, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the par-baked biscuit base. Sprinkle the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles over the beef. Spoon the creamy cheese and mayonnaise mixture on top and gently spread it to cover.
- Bake and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of pepper jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly baked cowboy casserole.
- Why par-bake the biscuit base? This is a crucial step to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. Giving the biscuit layer a head start ensures it bakes through completely and provides a sturdy base for the hearty filling.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead casserole, and you can even freeze it! Assemble the casserole completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it from frozen, covered, adding extra time until it’s heated through.
- Can I use a different kind of meat or cheese? Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken would be a great substitute for the beef. For the cheese, feel free to use any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or just all cheddar.
- How can I make this spicier? To add more heat, you can use a hot taco seasoning, add some fresh chopped jalapeños along with the poblano pepper, or use a habanero-jack cheese blend.
What To Serve With Cattle Drive Casserole
Simple sides to complete this hearty one-dish dinner.
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple green salad with a ranch or lime vinaigrette
- A dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa
- A side of steamed green beans
- Your favorite hot sauce for those who like extra spice.
How To Store Cattle Drive Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The biscuit base will soften upon storage, and the oven helps to re-crisp it slightly.
Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 41 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use a baking mix for the base?
The all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick) is a convenient shortcut. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed shortening or butter.
What is a poblano chile?
A poblano is a mild, dark green chili pepper that is very popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It has a rich, earthy flavor with very little heat. A green bell pepper is a good substitute if you can’t find one.
Do I need to drain the Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)?
Yes, draining the can is important for this recipe. It prevents the filling from becoming too watery and making the biscuit base soggy.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman 5-Ingredient Squash Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe
Description
A hearty, Tex-Mex inspired one-dish meal featuring a savory biscuit base, a layer of taco-seasoned ground beef and chiles, and a rich, creamy, and bubbly two-cheese topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Mix the baking mix, milk, and 1 tbsp oil. Spread in the dish and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet with 1 tbsp oil. Add the onion and poblano and cook until soft. Stir in the taco seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayo, sour cream, and 1 cup of each cheese.
- Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the par-baked biscuit base.
- Sprinkle the drained tomatoes and chiles on top.
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the beef, then top with the remaining 1 cup of each cheese.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003ePar-baking the biscuit base is the key to preventing it from becoming soggy under the hearty filling.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis casserole is perfect for making ahead and freezing, making it an ideal meal for a busy night.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a spicier version, add fresh chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be shy with the toppings! Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.u003c/liu003e
