There’s something about a warm, bubbling Cattle Drive Casserole that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Packed with hearty ground beef, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together around the table. I remember the first time I made this for my family on a chilly evening, and the aroma wafting through the house had everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” It’s one of those recipes that sparks joy and nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings where we’d share stories and laughter. Trust me, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and warmth that makes every bite feel like home. You’ll want to keep this one close to your heart and your recipe box!
Ingredients for Cattle Drive Casserole
Gather these simple, hearty ingredients to create your Cattle Drive Casserole. Each element plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life, so let’s get started!
- 1 lb ground beef (I usually go for lean, but it’s up to you!)
- 1 can black beans, drained (adds great protein and texture)
- 1 can corn, drained (sweet little bursts of flavor)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, whatever you’ve got!)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (this is where the magic happens—so much flavor!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love cheddar, but feel free to mix it up)
- 1 box cornbread mix (this makes the topping super easy!)
- 1 egg (for binding the cornbread)
- 1/3 cup milk (to make the cornbread nice and fluffy)
These ingredients come together to create a filling and comforting casserole that everyone will love. Trust me, you’ll want to have these on hand for your next family gathering!
How to Prepare Cattle Drive Casserole
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this mouthwatering Cattle Drive Casserole! It’s easier than you think, and I promise the results will blow you away. Here’s how to do it step by step!
Preparing the Beef Mixture
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and brown the 1 lb ground beef over medium heat. You want it nice and brown, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and then add in the drained black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors. You’re looking for a hearty mixture that smells absolutely divine!
Assembling the Casserole
Next, transfer that delicious beef mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, let’s whip up that cornbread topping! In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions—add the egg and milk to make it fluffy. Once mixed, gently spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture using a spatula, covering it completely. Don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy; it’s going to bake up beautifully!
Baking the Casserole
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Wow, the smell will be irresistible! About 5 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it bake until melted and bubbly. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help everything set nicely and make it easier to scoop! Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you dive into this comforting casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Filling and satisfying, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
- Nutritious with protein-packed beef and beans.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and reheat later!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again; it’s just that good!
Tips for Success
To perfect your Cattle Drive Casserole, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip browning the beef properly—this adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Watch the baking time closely; every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on that golden brown cornbread. And remember, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to scoop out those hearty portions. You’ll definitely want to savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Typically, one serving of this delicious Cattle Drive Casserole contains about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in 6g of fiber to keep you feeling full. It’s a hearty meal that’s not just comforting but also nourishing!
Serving Suggestions
Your Cattle Drive Casserole is a star on its own, but it loves a little company! I like to serve it alongside a crisp, fresh salad—think romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. And don’t forget the garnishes! A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy touch, while some sliced green onions give it a nice crunch and pop of color. Enjoy every hearty bite!
FAQ about Cattle Drive Casserole
Got questions about this delicious Cattle Drive Casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use different beans? Definitely! Feel free to swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans. It’s a great way to mix up the flavors!
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? No worries! You can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. It’ll taste just as good!
Is this dish spicy? The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use, but it’s generally mild. If you like it hotter, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture!
Learn more about Cattle Drive Casserole
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Cattle Drive Casserole: 7 Cozy Steps for Comfort Food
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty casserole featuring beef, beans, and corn topped with cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions.
- Spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream and green onions for garnish.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cattle Drive Casserole, beef casserole, hearty casserole