Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables? This Cattle Drive Casserole is the ultimate cowboy comfort food, offering a savory, filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even game days. This casserole combines seasoned ground beef with creamy layers of potatoes, veggies, cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all baked to golden perfection. Let’s dive into this delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

this Recipe

What is a “Cattle Drive Casserole”?

A Cattle Drive Casserole is a savory, layered casserole dish that typically combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce. Named after the robust meals traditionally served to cowboys during long cattle drives, this casserole embodies hearty, filling ingredients designed to keep you fueled for hours. It's baked to perfection, with crispy edges, melty cheese, and tender potatoes that soak up all the delicious flavors. It's a great dish for anyone looking to satisfy their craving for comfort food with a Southwest-inspired twist.

Ingredients List for Cattle Drive Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this Cattle Drive Casserole:

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
3. 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
4. 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
5. 1 small onion (diced)
6. 2 cloves garlic (minced)
7. 4 medium Russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
8. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
9. ½ cup sour cream
10. 1 teaspoon chili powder
11. ½ teaspoon cumin
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
14. ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
15. 2 tablespoons butter (for breadcrumb topping)
16. Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Ingredients List for Cattle Drive Casserole (Low-Carb Option)

For those who prefer a low-carb version of Cattle Drive Casserole, you can swap out the potatoes for cauliflower or another low-carb vegetable. Here’s a modified ingredients list:

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 head cauliflower (cut into small florets)
3. 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
4. 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
5. 1 can (15 oz) green beans or zucchini (drained)
6. 1 small onion (diced)
7. 2 cloves garlic (minced)
8. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade low-carb white sauce)
9. ½ cup sour cream
10. 1 teaspoon chili powder
11. ½ teaspoon cumin
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
14. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
15. Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is quite versatile, and there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Protein Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Potato Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can swap the potatoes for cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or even zucchini slices.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, black beans, or green beans to bulk up the casserole. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables in place of corn.
• Cheese Variations: Cheddar cheese works great in this recipe, but you can also try using Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a spicier twist.
• Spice it Up: To make it spicier, add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder for a little heat. If you prefer a milder version, stick to mild diced tomatoes and reduce the chili powder.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make this Cattle Drive Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Tomatoes and Corn: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and drained corn. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes (about ¼-inch thick). You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices, but a sharp knife works fine too. If you're using cauliflower for a low-carb version, cut it into small florets and steam them lightly before layering.
6. Make the Creamy Layer: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth. This will be your creamy, rich layer that adds extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
7. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes (or cauliflower florets) on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Then, spread half of the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, creamy sauce, and another 1 cup of cheese.
8. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top layer of cheese.
9. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Cook Cattle Drive Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
2. Season the Meat: Add onions, garlic, and seasonings to the beef for extra flavor. Cook until onions are softened.
3. Mix the Sauce: Stir in Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and corn. Let everything simmer to develop flavor.
4. Layer with Potatoes: In a casserole dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes with the beef mixture, creamy sauce, and cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove the foil to let the cheese melt and brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: Make sure the potato slices are thin enough to cook through in the oven. Thick slices may take longer to bake and could result in unevenly cooked potatoes.
2. Skipping Seasoning: Be generous with your seasonings! Ground beef can taste bland without enough salt, pepper, and spices, so taste the mixture before layering.
3. Not Draining the Ground Beef: Make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef after browning it, or the casserole may end up greasy.
4. Undercooking the Casserole: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked before taking the casserole out of the oven. You can check by poking a fork through the potatoes to make sure they are tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is a hearty dish that’s best served family-style. However, there are a few ways to make it more visually appealing and delicious:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the top before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your casserole with a fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw for a balanced meal.
3. Add Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for a fun, crunchy addition. You can also crush them over the top as a garnish.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to dig in at the table.
• Buffet Style: If you’re hosting a gathering or potluck, place the casserole alongside other dishes, and provide serving spoons so guests can help themselves.
• Individual Portions: For a more formal presentation, scoop individual portions into bowls or plates and top with a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Cattle Drive Casserole

1. Rustic Look: Bake and serve the casserole in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish for a cozy, homestyle feel.
2. Herb Garnish: Top with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving for a fresh, vibrant look.
3. Cheesy Crust: For a golden-brown cheesy crust, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking to get that irresistible bubbly cheese finish.

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner meat option. You can also use ground chicken or sausage for a different flavor.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure the cream of mushroom soup and breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free. You can also omit the breadcrumbs entirely.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or spinach to bulk up the casserole and add extra nutrition.

Q: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A: For a spicier version, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy Rotel tomatoes.

Q: How can I prevent the casserole from being too dry?
A: Make sure to use enough sauce (tomato sauce and cream of mushroom mixture) to keep the casserole moist. If it looks dry before baking, you can add a little extra milk or cream.

Conclusion

This Cattle Drive Casserole is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients, flavorful seasonings, and gooey cheese that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this dish is easy to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Try it out with the suggested variations, or customize it to your liking with different veggies and spices. Enjoy a slice of this delicious, hearty casserole and embrace the spirit of the old cattle drives, right at your dinner table!

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