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Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole

Pioneer Woman Cattle Drive Casserole - recipe card
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A hearty, all-in-one casserole inspired by the open range, featuring tender ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy sauce all baked under a golden, pillowy biscuit topping. This comforting dish comes together in under an hour and delivers a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed (or 1 can, drained)
  • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, see note)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (4 oz)
  • 2 cups all-purpose biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8 inch) baking dish or similar shallow casserole dish with nonstick spray. This prevents the bottom from sticking and makes serving easier.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. The goal is to sweat the vegetables, not brown them.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat (discard the fat, leaving a thin coating). Return the skillet to the stove.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This blooms the spices in the residual fat, deepening their flavor.
  5. Add the thawed corn, condensed mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup (2 oz) of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, 2/3 cup whole milk, and the lightly beaten egg. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix, or the biscuits will be tough. Let the dough rest for 1 minute.
  7. Drop the biscuit dough onto the meat mixture in 6 equal spoonfuls, spacing them evenly. This allows the biscuits to bake into individual golden puffs. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the dough.
  8. Place the casserole on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a biscuit comes out clean. The filling should be bubbly around the edges. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Scoop each portion to include a biscuit and some of the beef mixture. Serve hot.

Notes

Storage and Reheating: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, tightly wrap the unbaked or baked casserole (cooled completely) with plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat individual portions: microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until hot. For the entire casserole: cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Customization: Use cream of chicken soup for a lighter flavor. You can also add 1/2 cup diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne for heat. No bacon or pork is used in this version.

Nutrition

Keywords: cattle drive casserole, pioneer woman casserole, ground beef casserole, biscuit topping casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, American casserole, beef and corn casserole, baked casserole, family dinner

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cattle-drive-casserole/