Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish combining ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and topped with crunchy crushed tortilla chips. This comforting casserole offers a delicious Tex-Mex twist perfect for family dinners or gatherings, prepared quickly on the stovetop and finished baking in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes softened and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Beans: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors combine well.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in the dish as the base layer.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef and bean mixture.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of crushed tortilla chips to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
