Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. The combination of tender ground beef, seasoned beans, sweet corn, and tangy tomatoes with green chilies creates a savory filling that’s bursting with flavor. The melted cheese adds a creamy richness, while the crushed tortilla chips on top give it the perfect amount of crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters and is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the beef and bean mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with the crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture.
- Spicy Option: Spice things up by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or a can of diced green chilies with a higher heat level.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping the cheddar and Monterey Jack with other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit more kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute, such as crumbled tempeh or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
- Taco Flavor Twist: Add a bit of lime juice and cilantro on top of the casserole after baking for a fresh, zesty finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the Cattle Drive Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly and bake it directly from frozen, adding a bit more time to the cooking process.
4. What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or guacamole and sour cream for added flavor.
5. Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can swap the black beans and kidney beans with other types of beans like pinto beans, cannellini beans, or garbanzo beans, depending on your preference.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to dice and cook them down to create a similar consistency to canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
7. Can I make this casserole spicier?
For more heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or even a packet of spicy taco seasoning.
8. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes! The casserole has a mild flavor, but you can always adjust the seasoning to your family’s taste by reducing or omitting any spicy ingredients.
9. Can I add sour cream or guacamole to the casserole?
You can serve sour cream or guacamole on the side, or even drizzle some on top after baking for extra creaminess and flavor.
10. How can I make this casserole even cheesier?
Feel free to add more cheese! A combination of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even a bit of cream cheese can make the casserole extra creamy and cheesy.
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With its layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this casserole is a versatile and satisfying option that everyone will love.
Cattle Drive Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a flavorful mix of spices—perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the beef and bean mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the shredded cheeses with other varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
