PERFECT CATTLE DRIVE CASSEROLE

I still remember the time my Aunt Carol brought her famous dish to our family reunion, and everyone, from the pickiest toddlers to the grumpiest uncles, devoured it – that dish, my friend, was her legendary Cattle Drive Casserole. This hearty, comforting casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and is surprisingly easy to make, so get ready to lasso up some deliciousness because I promise you’ll have a family favorite on your hands!

Saddle Up for Flavor: What is Cattle Drive Casserole?

Cattle Drive Casserole is essentially a layered ground beef casserole that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Think of it as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, but with a Southwestern twist. It’s comforting, filling, and uses ingredients that are often pantry staples, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or feeding a large group. It also falls nicely into the category of Southern Ground Beef Recipes, offering a robust and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Be Branding This as Your Signature Dish

Okay, besides the fact that it tastes absolutely amazing, there are so many reasons why you’ll want to keep this recipe close. First off, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the vegetables and spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand. And third, it’s one of those Recipes For Large Families that actually scales up (or down) easily without losing its deliciousness. Plus, when you need Easy Dinner Recipes With Beef, this will be your go-to.

Gather ‘Round the Chuckwagon: Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the necessary provisions. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Cattle Drive Casserole masterpiece:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! I usually go for 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too. About 1.5 – 2 pounds.
• Onion: One medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white works perfectly.
• Bell Pepper: One bell pepper, chopped. I like to use green, but any color is fine.
• Garlic: A few cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Canned Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of our sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce. A small can (6 ounces) should do the trick.
• Corn: One can of corn, drained. Or, use frozen corn – about a cup or two.
• Black Beans: One can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
• Chili Powder: For that Southwestern kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Cumin: A must-have for any good Southwestern dish.
• Oregano: Adds a touch of earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Potatoes: About 5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced. Yukon Golds or Russets are great choices.
• Butter: For dotting on top of the potatoes.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend. Because cheese makes everything better!

Chuckwagon Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, partner, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible Cattle Drive Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Prep the Potatoes

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the potatoes. Peel and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline for even slicing, but a sharp knife works just fine. Evenness ensures they cook uniformly.

Step 5: Layer It Up!

Now comes the fun part: assembling the casserole! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and ground beef mixture. Dot the top with butter.

Step 6: Bake it ‘Til Golden

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a more golden-brown top, you can broil it for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the potatoes to finish cooking. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!

Variations and Customizations: Making it Your Own

The beauty of Cattle Drive Casserole is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version. Here are some ideas:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
• Add More Veggies: Mix in diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans would also work well in this casserole.
• Top with Sour Cream or Guacamole: A dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole adds a cool and creamy contrast to the savory casserole.
• Add a Layer of Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, layer crushed tortilla chips between the potatoes and the ground beef mixture.
• Different Cheese: Pepper jack cheese will give it a spicy kick!

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Casserole

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Cattle Drive Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: The potatoes should be tender but not mushy. Test them with a fork before removing the casserole from the oven.
• Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes will cook more evenly and quickly.
• Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your casserole.
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to settle and the potatoes to finish cooking.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Cornbread: A classic Southern side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious additions.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Cattle Drive Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

This Cattle Drive Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories. It fits perfectly into the category of Dirt Cheap Dinners because you can adapt it based on what’s on sale at the store. Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a potluck, or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. You might even want to consider serving it alongside a Instant Pot Chuck Roast for a true cowboy feast! Or for another casserole option, try the Forgotten Chicken And Rice Casserole.

If you’re looking for other comforting dishes, you might also enjoy my Pot Roast With Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s another classic that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Or, for a different twist on ground beef and potatoes, check out my Farmhouse Hamburger & Potato Bake. It’s similar to this casserole but with a slightly different flavor profile. And don’t forget the Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole for another family favorite.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can cut the casserole into individual portions and freeze them separately. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts: A Casserole to Remember

So there you have it, my friend – everything you need to create your own Cattle Drive Casserole masterpiece. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a comforting hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to saddle up and enjoy the ride! Happy cooking!

Perfect Cattle Drive Casserole

This Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered ground beef casserole with a Southwestern twist. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it features ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, making it a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 pounds Ground Beef 80/20
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
• A few cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes
• 6 ounces Tomato Paste
• 1 can Corn, drained
• 1 can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• Chili Powder, to taste
• Cumin, to taste
• Oregano, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 5-6 medium Potatoes, peeled and sliced
• Butter, for dotting
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese Blend

Equipment

• large skillet
• Dutch Oven (optional)
• knife
• cutting board
• Garlic Press
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• aluminum foil
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mandoline (optional)

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks and drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 15 minutes.
4. While the sauce is simmering, peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and ground beef mixture.
7. Dot the top with butter.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeño to the ground beef mixture. Add more veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini. Pinto or kidney beans can be substituted for black beans. Top with sour cream or guacamole for a cool, creamy contrast. Add a layer of tortilla chips for extra crunch. Pepper jack cheese can add a spicy kick. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.