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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and return skillet to heat.
- 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.
- Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Spread a smooth layer of sour cream across the beef and sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- 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