The Ultimate Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe: Cowboy Comfort Food

Beef lovers find their ultimate comfort in this hearty cattle drive casserole that combines rustic ranch flavors with home-style cooking magic.

Layers of savory ingredients create a delightful melody of textures and tastes.

Midwest ranch traditions inspired this satisfying meal perfect for hungry crowds.

Cheesy, meaty, and packed with robust seasonings, the dish promises to become a family favorite.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Hearty portions and rich flavors guarantee everyone will ask for seconds.

Dig into this classic cowboy-inspired culinary adventure that brings warmth to your dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you want more kick, you can add additional hot sauce or use spicier chilies.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before layering?

No, you’ll slice the potatoes raw and layer them directly in the baking dish. They’ll cook perfectly during the baking process, becoming tender and delicious.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready to eat.

Cattle Drive Casserole Packed With Flavor

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this casserole delivers pure comfort food satisfaction that warms you from the inside out.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation means minimal dishes and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families looking for a quick, delicious meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to make this recipe your own, creating a personalized dinner that suits your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: With kid-friendly ingredients and a cheesy topping, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates.

Ingredients For Cattle Drive Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Frozen Corn, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A colorful and nutritious blend that adds texture and depth to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream, Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and comforting sauce with a smooth, melty topping.

• Sliced Potatoes: A classic casserole foundation that adds substance and creates a satisfying layered texture.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A simple spice mix that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and ensuring the ingredients don't stick to the pan.

• Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking, preventing excessive browning.

How To Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Frozen corn
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and meld together, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Arrange a blanket of sliced potatoes across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a hearty foundation.

Step 6: Create the First Flavor Layer

Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.

Dollop sour cream across the surface and sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Repeat the Delicious Layers

• Potato slices
• Beef mixture
• Cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Grab your fork and get ready for a taste of cowboy comfort!

Tips For Cattle Drive Casserole Success

• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and better texture throughout the casserole.
• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain clean, rich flavors.
• Let casserole rest briefly after removing from oven so cheese sets perfectly and doesn't run everywhere.
• Experiment with different chili peppers or hot sauce to adjust heat level according to personal preference.
• Prepare casserole in advance, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead meals.

Variations To Try With Cattle Drive Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds to create a keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate chipotle powder to give the casserole a fiery southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.

Delightful Serving Ideas For Cattle Drive Casserole

• Rustic Ranch Roundup: Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salad tossed in zesty ranch dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm dish.
• Southwestern Side Show: Serve alongside warm cornbread or buttery tortillas to soak up the delicious beef and potato layers, adding extra southwestern flair to your meal.
• Veggie Victory Plate: Add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side to boost nutrition and provide a fresh, green complement to the cheesy, meaty casserole.
• Comfort Food Companion: Top with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving to brighten flavors and add a pop of color to this satisfying cowboy-style meal.

Best Practices For Storing Cattle Drive Casserole

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze flat for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Cut desired portion, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying.

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cattle Drive Casserole brings together robust Southwestern flavors with ground beef, corn, and zesty spices. Cowboy-inspired comfort combines pasta, cheese, and bold seasonings for a satisfying meal hungry families will devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 large potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat and return skillet to heat.
5. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
8. Spread a smooth layer of sour cream across the beef and sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheese.
9. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
10. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Potato Swaps: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that adds unique flavor and nutrition.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of the casserole.
• Spice Customization: Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or add jalapeños for extra kick depending on personal spice preference.
• Dietary Adaptations: Make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking ingredient labels for potential gluten contamination.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg