Cattle Drive Casserole Hearty and Comforting Meal

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Looking for a hearty meal that warms you up? Let me introduce you to Cattle Drive Casserole—a dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Packed with meat, veggies, and cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hungry for something delicious, this casserole will hit the spot. Join me as we explore all the tasty details!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences, like using different vegetables or proteins.
4. Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, finely diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can change Cattle Drive Casserole to fit your taste. Here are some ideas:

– Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

– Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.

– Add jalapeños for some heat.

– Top with sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.

– Mix in different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella.

Nutritional Information

Cattle Drive Casserole is hearty and filling. Here’s a simple breakdown of its nutrition per serving:

– Calories: Approximately 450

– Protein: 25g

– Carbohydrates: 45g

– Fat: 20g

– Fiber: 10g

– Sugars: 5g

This dish balances protein, carbs, and fats well. It can be a great meal for everyone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

To make Cattle Drive Casserole, start with the right prep. Gather all your ingredients first. You need:

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, finely diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help the casserole cook evenly.

Cooking the Meat and Vegetables

Now, let’s cook the meat and veggies. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s cooked, drain any extra fat from the pan.

Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until the onion looks clear and the bell pepper is soft. This mix adds great flavor.

Then, add the corn, rinsed black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Don’t forget the juices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir it well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together.

Assembling the Casserole

Now it’s time to put everything together. Fold in the cooked rice, making sure it mixes well with the meat and veggies. This will make your casserole hearty.

Carefully transfer this mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This cheese will melt and create a gooey finish.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, add some freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your Cattle Drive Casserole!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Casserole

To make your Cattle Drive Casserole just right, start with fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies add great taste. Use a non-stick skillet to cook the meat. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy. Drain the fat well to keep the dish light. For even cooking, mix all ingredients well before adding them to the baking dish. Don’t skip the simmer time; it helps blend the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When serving, scoop the casserole right from the dish. It looks great and keeps the heat. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast. Cornbread or tortilla chips are great sides too. For a zesty kick, add lime wedges. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole can also enhance the dish. Feel free to sprinkle more cilantro on top for extra flavor.

How to Make Ahead

You can prep this casserole a day in advance. Cook all the ingredients and let them cool. Then, cover the mix and store it in the fridge. When ready, spread it in the baking dish and top with cheese. Bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Variations

Vegetarian Cattle Drive Casserole

You can make a great vegetarian version. Swap the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils. Use the same spices to keep it flavorful. Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients. The black beans and corn will still add texture and taste. This way, you get all the hearty goodness without meat.

Spicy Cattle Drive Casserole Variations

If you want some heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. Mix in a can of spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a nice kick. This spicy twist makes the casserole exciting and fun to eat. Adjust the spice to fit your family’s taste.

Alternative Cheeses and Grains

Feeling creative? Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. They melt well and add unique flavors. If you want to change the grain, use quinoa or barley instead of rice. These options bring new textures and tastes to your casserole. Experimenting with these swaps keeps the dish fresh and interesting.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Once your casserole cools, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Cattle Drive Casserole

To reheat, you can use a microwave or an oven. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.

Freezing and Thawing Instructions

To freeze, make sure the casserole is cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

What is Cattle Drive Casserole?

Cattle Drive Casserole is a warm and filling dish. It blends ground beef, beans, corn, and rice. Topped with cheese, it provides a rich taste. The mix of spices adds depth and warmth. It’s a dish that makes you feel good inside. You can serve it as a main meal or at gatherings. Perfect for family dinners, it brings everyone together.

Can I make Cattle Drive Casserole without meat?

Yes, you can make a meatless version. Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based option. Consider using lentils, mushrooms, or more beans. You can also add extra veggies for texture. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. The spices still work well, so the flavor remains strong.

How long does it take to cook Cattle Drive Casserole?

Cooking Cattle Drive Casserole takes about 45 minutes. Prep time is around 15 minutes. The baking time is 20 to 25 minutes. Just ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the dish time to set and makes serving easier.

In this article, we explored the key ingredients needed for a tasty Cattle Drive Casserole. We covered how to prep, cook, and assemble this dish step by step. I shared helpful tips for creating the perfect casserole and options for custom variations. We also discussed storing and reheating leftovers and answered common questions.

Cattle Drive Casserole is versatile and easy to make. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing it with others. Keep experimenting to make it your ow

Cattle Drive Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat from the pan.
• To the skillet, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper is tender.
• Combine the corn, rinsed black beans, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including their juices) into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
• Once simmered, fold in the cooked rice, stirring until the mixture is well combined and evenly distributed.
• Carefully transfer this hearty mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
• Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
• Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish with a lime wedge for added zest.

Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, comfort food

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