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Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole

This hearty Cattle Drive Casserole is a cozy cowboy-style dinner made with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melty cheese—easy, filling, and family-approved.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef & Veg Base
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
Beans & Mix-Ins
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies do not drain
Creamy & Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning until the beef mixture is evenly coated.
  5. Add pinto beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and heat through.
  6. Remove from heat. Fold in sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.
  7. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  9. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Make it your own: swap in ground turkey, add jalapeños for heat, or mix in smoked paprika for extra “campfire” flavor. For a saucier casserole, stir in 1/4 cup beef broth before baking.