Description
Cattle Drive Casserole brings rugged ranch flavors straight to your dinner table with layers of ground beef, cheese, and noodles that remind you of cowboy cooking. Packed with simple ingredients and bold Western-style comfort, this dish delivers a satisfying meal perfect for hungry families craving something filling and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can corn (15 oz)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F. Grab your large skillet and brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains.
- Toss 1 cup chopped onion into the skillet and cook until they turn translucent and soft.
- Pour in 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans, and 15 oz corn. Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili powder, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
- Fold 2 cups cooked rice into the skillet, stirring until everything blends smoothly.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns golden around the edges.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make the casserole lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for better texture and less clumping in the final dish.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it helps develop deeper flavors during the initial cooking stage and creates a more even heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg