Best Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe (easy, vegan)

Saddle up for a hearty culinary journey with our Cattle Drive Casserole recipe! Inspired by the rugged spirit of the Old West, this dish combines vegan beef and a savory, spicy topping on a biscuit layer. Get ready to round up your appetite and wrangle in the flavors of the frontier with this satisfying casserole!

What is a Cattle Drive Casserole?

A “Cattle Drive Casserole” is a hearty dish inspired by the cowboy culture of the American West.

It typically consists of layers of ingredients such as ground beef or shredded beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese, topped with a cornbread or biscuit crust.

The dish is reminiscent of the meals prepared on long cattle drives, providing a comforting and satisfying meal with flavors that evoke the spirit of the frontier.

What is the difference between green chilis and jalapenos?

Green chilies (or green chiles) and jalapeños are both types of peppers, but they have some differences in terms of flavor, heat level, and culinary use.

1. Green chilis generally have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to jalapeños. They often have a more pronounced earthy or smoky taste, especially when roasted. Jalapeños, on the other hand, have a distinctive grassy and slightly fruity flavor with a hint of heat.
2. Jalapeños are typically hotter than green chilis. The heat of both peppers can vary depending on factors such as growing conditions and ripeness, but jalapeños generally have a Scoville heat rating ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 units, while green chilis are milder, typically ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 Scoville units.
3. Green chilis are often used in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine to add flavor and mild heat to dishes such as salsas, sauces, stews, and enchiladas. They are also commonly used as a topping or filling for tacos and burritos. Jalapeños are versatile peppers that can be used fresh, roasted, or pickled in a wide range of dishes, including salsas, salads, sandwiches, and even cocktails.

Overall, while both green chilis and jalapeños are flavorful additions to various dishes, jalapeños tend to be hotter and have a slightly different taste profile compared to green chilis.

What ingredients do I need to make this Cattle Drive Casserole?

To prepare the delicious Cattle Drive Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 batch of Cheddar Bay Biscuits (without the topping) for the base of the casserole.
• 8 ounces of Vegan Ground Beef, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil, plus additional oil for the pan to sauté the vegetables.
• 3 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped or minced, to add a pungent and aromatic taste.
• 1 medium Onion, peeled and diced, to add a sweet and savory flavor.
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, chopped, which adds some crunch and a splash of color to the dish.
• 3/4 cup of Vegan Cheddar, which will add a cheesy, gooey texture to the casserole.
• Salt, pepper to taste

Follow the Cattle Drive Casserole recipe to the letter, and you’ll prepare a mouthwatering Cattle Drive Casserole that will delight your taste buds!

For the Sour Cream Topping:

• 4 tbs Egg free Mayo
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 3 oz jalapenos, canned
• 1/2 cup Vegan cheddar

How to make Cattle Drive Casserole

Preheat your oven to 380F.

Prepare the dough for the biscuit bottom. Check out the instructions here (obviously, skip making the topping). You can also go with your favorite biscuit mix if you prefer that.

Get a large baking pan ready and grease it. Spread the biscuit dough on the bottom of the pan. Bake it for about 4 minutes.

In the meantime, peel and dice a medium onion and dice the bell pepper. Heat oil in a saucepan and fry the vegan ground beef until it is slightly brown. Now add the onion and bell pepper, and season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook everything on medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Then spread ground beef mixture on top of biscuit layer.

Next, prepare the sour cream mixture for the topping. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream with egg-free mayo, the drainer jalapenos, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Spread the mixture on top of the ground beef layer.

Finally, top everything with the remaining vegan cheddar cheese. Bake the Cattle Drive Casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Other Casserole Recipes to try

• Best Texas Potatoes Casserole Recipe
• Best Keto Big Mac Casserole Recipe [low carb, easy]
• Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
• Best Leftover Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
• Tuna Noodle Casserole

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Enjoy, Florian!