Hey there, friend! I’m so glad you’re here because I can’t wait to share my favorite comfort food with you—my hearty cattle drive casserole. This dish has been a staple in my family for years, and it brings back so many warm memories of cozy dinners shared around the table. There’s something magical about the way a bubbling casserole can fill a room with inviting aromas, don’t you think? It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a gathering with friends. Just imagine the hearty ground beef mingling with vibrant veggies, all topped with gooey cheese—pure bliss! Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’s sure to become a beloved dish in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious hearty cattle drive casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready—chop that onion and mince that garlic! It makes cooking so much smoother. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did when it all comes together in the oven!
How to Prepare the Hearty Cattle Drive Casserole
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s as easy as pie—well, easier! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious casserole to wow your family or friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cheesy and bubbly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Make sure to stir occasionally; we want that beef nice and browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Just wait for that heavenly smell!
- Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft, it’s time to add in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and cooked rice. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—this is where all those flavors start to mingle!
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, here comes the fun part: top it off with that shredded cheese. Don’t be shy; pile it on!
- Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden top. Yum!
And there you have it! Your hearty cattle drive casserole is all set to be devoured. Just let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving, and you’re good to go! Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hearty cattle drive casserole is a game-changer for your dinner routine! Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for it:
- It’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze!
- Packed with protein and fiber, it’s filling and satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prepping; make it ahead and enjoy leftovers all week.
- Super customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Ready in about 45 minutes, so it’s great for busy nights.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this comforting casserole in your life!
Tips for Success
To make your hearty cattle drive casserole absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time browning the beef and onions. It really enhances the flavor!
- Use leftover rice: This is a great way to use up leftover rice from takeout or previous meals.
- Mix and match: Feel free to swap in your favorite beans or veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach work great!
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist—sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some heat!
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set and makes for easier slicing.
These little tips will help you create a casserole that’s not only delicious but also shows off your cooking skills. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional value of this hearty cattle drive casserole? Each serving, which is about 1 cup, is estimated to contain around 350 calories. You’ll also get a nice balance of 20g of protein, 15g of fat, and 40g of carbohydrates, making it a hearty meal. Plus, it has 6g of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. These values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a comforting dish that won’t break the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my hearty cattle drive casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common inquiries:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great make-ahead option!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute if you want a lighter or vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to freeze it before baking. Wrap it well, and it should be good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top. Fresh cilantro or green onions are also fantastic for added flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your hearty cattle drive casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover it loosely to avoid splatters and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed all the way through. Easy peasy!
Imprimer
Hearty cattle drive casserole: 5 reasons you’ll adore it
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A filling and comforting casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic.
- Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Serve with sour cream or avocado on top.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 6g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: hearty cattle drive casserole, casserole recipes, beef casserole
