Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish combining savory ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all layered with shredded cheeses and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers a comforting Tex-Mex flair with easy preparation and satisfying bold tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
Beans and Vegetables
- 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
Seasoning 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 Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, using a spoon to break it apart evenly. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add Seasoning and Mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef and bean mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Add Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips as the final layer over the cheeses for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tortilla chips are lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For extra heat, use spicy diced tomatoes or add chopped jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for additional flavor toppings.
- Ensure beans are well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
