Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty Tex-Mex baked dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, vegetables, and spices layered over a buttery crescent roll crust, then topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this comforting casserole delivers bold flavors with minimal effort and can be customized with different ground meats or added spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Condiments and Seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough and Oils
- 1 (8-count) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add seasoning and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish forming a uniform crust layer.
- Layer the casserole: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crescent roll crust. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture on top and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and the 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole serves well as a filling main course but pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- You can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner variant.
- For added heat, include diced jalapeños or opt for hot Rotel tomatoes instead of mild.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
