Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, topped with crunchy crushed tortilla chips. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner and combines savory, spicy, and cheesy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
Canned Goods
- 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
Seasonings and Toppings
- 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the beef is browned thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef and bean mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with Tortilla Chips: Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese to provide a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set for easier portioning and eating.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the level of spice by using mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and seasoning if you require a gluten-free meal.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and omit cheese topping.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
