Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s a total crowd-pleaser and easy enough for a weeknight, let me introduce you to this Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love making when I want comfort food with a twist — layered flavors, melty cheese, and a golden biscuit crust that no one can resist. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become your go-to for taco night with a hearty upgrade!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Wonder: You get all the hearty taco flavors layered seamlessly beneath a crisp biscuit topping—so cozy and satisfying.
  • Super Simple Ingredients: No exotic grocery list here — just clever use of pantry and fridge staples that pack a punch.
  • Family Favorite: My kids and their friends go crazy for this one, making it perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead or easily reheat leftovers without losing that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work together magically — from savory seasoned beef to a creamy sour cream layer, all tied up with cheddar cheese and that golden biscuit crust. When shopping, aim for fresh veggies and a good-quality biscuit mix to get that perfect rise and tenderness.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole red bell pepper, one whole yellow onion, a small white bowl of taco seasoning powder, a small white bowl with biscuit mix powder, a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of mayonnaise, a small white bowl of diced green chiles, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of mild salsa, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese fiesta blend, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping, easy beef casserole recipes, taco casserole with biscuit crust, hearty weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food casserole
  • Lean Ground Beef: I prefer 90% lean to avoid too much grease but still keep it juicy and flavorful.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds a hint of sweetness and bright color to balance the spice.
  • Yellow Onion: Gives that classic aroma and depth; chop it finely for even cooking.
  • Taco Seasoning Mix: Store-bought works great, but you can mix your own if you like a particular blend.
  • Biscuit Mix: Like Bisquick; it makes the biscuit topping super easy to whip up even on busy nights.
  • Water: To bring the biscuit dough together; no fancy ingredients needed.
  • Cooking Spray: Keeps the biscuit from sticking and helps it brown nicely.
  • Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: This combo makes the creamy layer rich but balanced — don’t skip either!
  • Diced Green Chiles: Adds just a touch of smoky warmth; drain well to avoid soggy layers.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend: I love this mix for melty, flavorful goodness layered through the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: A subtle boost of savory flavor in the creamy layer.
  • Salsa, Mild: Spoon on top for bursts of zesty, fresh flavor without overwhelming with heat.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

  • Make it Spicy: I’ve added diced jalapeños or swapped the mild salsa for chipotle-lime salsa when I want a smoky kick — it never disappoints.
  • Go Cheesy Vegan: Use plant-based ground “beef,” vegan sour cream, and cheese alternatives to keep it delicious and dairy-free.
  • Add Beans: My family sometimes likes me to toss in black or pinto beans into the beef mixture for extra texture and fiber.
  • Swap the Biscuit: Trying a cornbread topping instead? It’s equally amazing and super cozy.

How to Make Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Cook Your Meat

Go ahead and set your oven to 350℉ so it’s ready when you need it. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. You’ll want to cook it until there’s no pink left—usually about 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat or it’ll make the casserole watery later. While the beef is cooking, you can mix your biscuit dough, which keeps things moving efficiently in the kitchen.

Step 2: Whip Up and Bake the Biscuit Base

Using a medium mixing bowl, combine your biscuit mix with water. I always find it easier to use my hands to make sure the dough is fully blended — plus, it’s kind of therapeutic! Spray your casserole dish generously with cooking spray so nothing sticks, then press the dough out evenly across the bottom and edges of the dish. Pop it in the oven for about 5-8 minutes until it’s slightly golden and just set. It won’t look fully baked yet, but this gives it a sturdier base for the layers to come.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Season Your Meat

Back to your skillet — toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for around 4 minutes; you want the veggies tender but still vibrant. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning mix and give everything a good stir so the seasoning clings to all those delicious bits. Once done, take it off the heat so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 4: Layering the Magic Begins

Spread the flavorful beef and veggie mixture evenly over your biscuit base. Now for the creamy layer: In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ of your shredded cheese, and garlic powder until it’s smooth and dreamy. Carefully spread this over the beef layer, making sure not to disturb the base below.

Step 5: Salsa, Cheese, and Bake!

Dollop small spoonfuls of salsa over the creamy layer — you don’t need to spread it all out because it melts down during baking. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Slide your casserole back into the oven (still at 350℉) and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling.

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Pro Tips for Making Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Mix just enough so it comes together — overmixing can make the biscuits tough rather than tender and flaky.
  • Drain Meat Fat Thoroughly: Leaving too much grease leads to a soggy casserole, and no one wants that.
  • Layer with Care: When spreading the sour cream layer, go gently so you don’t tear through the biscuit base.
  • Keep an Eye on the Cheese: If your oven runs hot, you can tent the casserole with foil mid-bake to avoid burning the cheese top.

How to Serve Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

A slice of lasagna being lifted from a clear glass baking dish shows five layers: a golden-yellow melted cheese top with green herb garnish, a thick layer of browned ground meat below, a creamy white layer of sauce beneath the meat, another meat layer, and a final creamy cheese layer at the bottom. The lifted slice stretches melted cheese strings down to the dish where a rich sauce pools around the base. The background is softly blurred, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping, easy beef casserole recipes, taco casserole with biscuit crust, hearty weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food casserole

Garnishes

I like topping mine with fresh diced tomatoes, a sprinkling of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for bright freshness. Sometimes, a few slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole take this dish from great to next-level. These garnishes add cool contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness beneath.

Side Dishes

My family loves this casserole paired with a refreshing green salad with lime vinaigrette or some simple Mexican rice. Corn on the cob or roasted street corn also makes a fantastic side that rounds out the meal perfectly without competing with the casserole’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve transformed this casserole into individual servings baked in small ramekins — perfect for a dinner party or when you want to impress without a fuss. Plus, layering bright garnishes thoughtfully on top creates a festive, colorful presentation that everyone loves snapping pictures of before they dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy the next day without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this casserole before the final bake step. Just assemble everything in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It’s almost like fresh-baked!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake in a 325℉ oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This method helps keep the biscuit topping from drying out or getting too crispy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of biscuit mix?

    Absolutely! If you have a favorite biscuit dough recipe, feel free to use that. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly depending on the dough’s moisture content and thickness.

  2. Is this casserole spicy?

    The original recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the taco seasoning and mild salsa, making it kid-friendly. If you want more heat, you can easily add jalapeños or use a spicier salsa.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    You can! Swap the biscuit mix for a gluten-free biscuit mix or use a cornbread topping instead. Just check the labels on your taco seasoning and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

  4. What is the best way to reheat leftover casserole?

    Reheat leftovers in an oven at 325℉ covered with foil until heated through to keep the biscuit topping moist and delicious without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen for its cozy layers of flavor and easy prep. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this dish delivers comfort and smiles every time. I truly hope you give it a try — it’s one of those hearty meals you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, just like my family does.

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Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

Beef Taco Casserole with Biscuit Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish that combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, a buttery biscuit crust, and a creamy cheesy topping. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a comforting meal ideal for family dinners or potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 1 ounce Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 2 ½ cups Biscuit Mix (such as Bisquick)
  • 1 cup Water
  • Cooking Spray (e.g., Pam)
  • ½ cup Sour Cream
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 4 ounces Diced Green Chiles, drained
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend, shredded and divided
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ cup Salsa, mild


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the biscuit base and the assembled casserole.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step builds the flavorful meat layer of your casserole.
  3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix and water. Stir thoroughly, ideally using your hands to achieve an even dough consistency. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the biscuit dough evenly into the dish, spreading it to cover the bottom and edges. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes until it is set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Continue to cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the taco seasoning mix until evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
  5. Assemble the Meat Layer: Spread the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the pre-baked biscuit crust in the casserole dish, creating the savory base layer for the casserole.
  6. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Gently spread this mixture over the meat layer in the casserole dish, ensuring an even coverage.
  7. Add Salsa and Remaining Cheese: Spoon small dollops of mild salsa over the sour cream mixture; there’s no need to spread the salsa evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to add a rich, melted cheese finish.
  8. Bake: Place the assembled casserole back in the oven, uncovered. Bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat, making the casserole less greasy.
  • Make sure to drain the fat thoroughly after cooking the beef to keep the dish light.
  • The biscuit mix serves as a quick and easy crust that adds a tender texture to the casserole.
  • For spicier flavor, opt for a medium or hot salsa and add more diced chiles.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead up to the baking step and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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