Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful American main course that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream and mayonnaise mixture, and melty cheddar cheese atop a buttery crescent roll crust. This easy-to-make baked casserole offers a delicious taco-inspired twist perfect for family dinners and gatherings, with a golden, bubbly top and optional fresh garnishes like green onions or cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Dough
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease before adding the taco seasoning mix and water. Stir and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll the crescent dough and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to press the seams together to form a solid crust.
- Mix Creamy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust. Spoon the creamy sour cream mixture evenly on top of the beef layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake Casserole: Place the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier version of the casserole.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made a day in advance for convenient meal prep.
