Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a flavorful mix of spices. It’s the perfect meal for a family dinner or a gathering, offering a delicious combination of textures and bold flavors. With cheesy layers and a crispy tortilla chip topping, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the beef and bean mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Variations
Make it spicier – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Use different cheeses – Swap out the cheddar and Monterey Jack for pepper jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend.
Vegetarian version – Skip the beef and add more beans or a meat substitute like lentils or soy crumbles.
Lower carb option – Reduce or omit the tortilla chips and add a bit more cheese for a cheesy, keto-friendly bake.
Add more veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions for extra nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm up in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
I prepare the beef and bean mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, I assemble the casserole, add cheese and tortilla chips, and bake as directed.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and makes a leaner alternative. I season it well to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve with Cattle Drive Casserole?
I like to serve it with a simple green salad, guacamole, sour cream, or a side of Spanish rice for a complete meal.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, I use about 1 ½ cups of fresh diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies for the same flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the tortilla chips crispy?
I add them right before baking and avoid covering the casserole while it cools to maintain their crunch.
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole is an easy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and a crispy topping, this dish is sure to become a staple in my home. Whether I customize it to fit different dietary needs or enjoy it as is, it’s always a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Cattle Drive Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melty cheese, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a comforting family dinner. With its taco-inspired flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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 to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and bean mixture.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Add crushed tortilla chips as the final layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Use different cheeses like pepper jack or a Mexican blend.
Make it vegetarian by swapping ground beef with extra beans or a meat substitute.
For a low-carb version, reduce or omit tortilla chips and add extra cheese.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
