Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black and kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, topped with crunchy crushed tortilla chips, and baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole makes a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 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
- 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.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, which enhances its sweetness and flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Beans and Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can corn (drained), and 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish as the casserole base.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef and bean layer for a creamy and melty topping.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly on top of the cheese layer to add a delightful crunch after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving so it sets and is easier to portion. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you like it spicier, add extra diced green chilies or hot sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure tortilla chips do not contain gluten.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking; thaw completely before baking as directed.
