Description
Hearty cattle drive casserole brings robust Southwestern flavors to family dinner tables. Protein-packed layers and zesty seasonings create a satisfying meal that combines ground beef, beans, and cheese in one comforting dish. You’ll savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Starches and Base:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Dairy:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces/285 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
- Introduce taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a 5-minute simmer.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, robust bottom layer.
- Carefully spread mashed potatoes across the beef layer, creating a smooth, consistent surface.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling topping.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for an added burst of color and flavor before serving the piping hot casserole.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Create a gluten-free version by using homemade or gluten-free taco seasoning and checking that cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and introduce more vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or mixing in some diced green chilies for an extra kick of flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg