Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese topped with crunchy tortilla chips. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole offers a comforting Tex-Mex inspired meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
- Add seasoning and vegetables: 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 blend the flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef and bean mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the meat mixture.
- Top with tortilla chips: Add a final layer of crushed tortilla chips over the cheese to give a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can add the crushed tortilla chips halfway through baking instead of at the start.
- This casserole stores well and can be reheated for lunches or next-day dinners.
- Always drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to reduce grease and make it healthier.
