This casserole originated in 1979 when John Wayne himself apparently contributed this recipe to a charity cookbook sold as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.
Where did John Wayne get the recipe? Nobody knows so let’s just assume he was on set on a real live cattle drive...and here it is!
It was later adapted by the U of Miss Medical Center for their cafeteria where this dish is nicknamed THE DUKE. There is often a line formed when this is served on Thursdays where it is a top seller.
That is all reason enough to try this recipe but let’s add the fact that is SO GOOD! It takes from Old Mexico and mixes it up with Tex-Mex perfection.
For this cowboy recipe they normally use ground beef (of course!) but I like to use ground turkey. Either way start by browning the meat and then throw in the peppers and onions to cook.
Use a biscuit mix for the bottom crust. I LOVE Red Lobster biscuits so I like to use that for the crust.
I bake for a good amount so that the crust doesn’t get soggy.
Spoon the meat over the top of the cooked crust.
Mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, green chilis, cheese and garlic powder.
Spoon over the meat layer, then top with salsa. Finish off with cheese and throw into the oven.
Enjoy the smell and serve it up!
ENJOY!
Cattle Drive Casserole
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsps olive oil
- 1½-2 pounds ground turkey **or any ground meat
- 1 red bell pepper **washed and chopped
- 1 medium sweet onion **chopped
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning **or 1 envelope
- 1 box Red Lobster biscuit mix **or 2 cups baking mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 can 4 ounce diced green chilis
- 1 cup shredded cheese **cheddar or any mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½-¾ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add the ground turkey and break apart with a spoon and brown. **If using ground beef the olive oil isn't necessary
- Add the chopped red pepper and onion to the turkey and cook another 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
- Pour the biscuit mix into a small mixing bowl. Add the seasoning packet and water. Stir together without over mixing.
- Spray a 9×13" baking dish with cooking spray and spoon in the biscuit mix.Use your hand dipped in water to press it evenly to the edges. Bake for 11-12 minutes.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the biscuit crust.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, green chilis, 1 cup of cheese and garlic powder.Use a spoon to drop onto the meat layer and carefully spread.
- Spoon the salsa over the top. Don't worry about it completely covering the top.
- Sprinkle with another cup of cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Let cool for 30 minutes if you want to cut into squares. Otherwise just dig in!