Cattle Drive Casserole

0 Shares

Cattle Drive Casserole

Introduction

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your dinner table. This delightful recipe is packed with ground beef, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices, making it a perfect meal for families or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to love!

Why Make This Recipe

Cattle Drive Casserole is a great choice for many reasons. First, it combines simple ingredients that you might already have at home, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store. Second, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup after cooking. Finally, it’s filling and delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

How to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

Ingredients:

1 kg ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (425 g) corn kernels, drained
4 cups frozen hash browns (about 450 g)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13” (23×33 cm) baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and corn, cooking for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spread half of the frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Spoon the beef mixture over the hash browns, then dollop the sour cream evenly across the top.
Scatter the remaining hash browns on top and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine the melted butter with the crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) and sprinkle this crunchy topping over the casserole.
Bake in your preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Serve Cattle Drive Casserole hot right out of the oven. It goes well with a side salad or some warm bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs, avocado, or extra sour cream for added flavor.

How to Store Cattle Drive Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Cattle Drive Casserole

If you like a bit more spice, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Feel free to mix in different veggies like bell peppers or black beans for added nutrition.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or additional beans, and make sure to use vegetable broth or water in place of any meat-based products.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, but fresh hash browns may require a slight adjustment in cooking time. Make sure they are cooked until tender.
How long does it take to cook from frozen?
If you’re baking it straight from the freezer, you may need to add an additional 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure it’s heated through in the center before serving.

Cattle Drive Casserole is truly a comfort food that brings everyone together. Enjoy making it and even more so, enjoy sharing it with family and loved ones!

0 Shares