Cattle Drive Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Moderate (includes browning meat and layering ingredients)

Description

This hearty Cattle Drive Casserole is a delicious, filling dish inspired by the flavors of the Old West. Packed with ground beef, beans, cheese, and a crispy topping, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of savory meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser every time!

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Ingredients

Main Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 (6 oz) bag corn chips (such as Fritos)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream

• Sliced jalapeños

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Diced avocado

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep casserole dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes).

2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Beans & Seasonings

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Stir in the pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the beef and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.

3. Crush corn chips slightly and spread them over the cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make It Spicy: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Substitute plant-based ground meat and use vegetarian refried beans.
✅ Extra Crunch: Mix crushed corn chips into the casserole before baking for added texture.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Assemble (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking as directed.

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Final Thoughts

This Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of the frontier to your dinner table. With its rich beef and bean base, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys and cowgirls!

Enjoy your meal! 🍽️