Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make and full of flavor? This Cattle Drive Casserole is the perfect answer! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, layers of potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is as comforting as it gets. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or a crowd, and you can make it ahead of time, freeze it, or whip it up for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Read on for the full recipe, variations, and tips to make this casserole a go-to meal in your home.

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What Is Cattle Drive Casserole?

Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, layered casserole that’s made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The ground beef is seasoned with spices and combined with tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and sometimes sour cream to create a rich filling. It’s then layered with sliced or shredded potatoes and cheese, and baked to golden perfection. The result is a deliciously comforting, one-dish meal that’s great for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients List for Cattle Drive Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cattle Drive Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, for a leaner version)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or diced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Cattle Drive Casserole recipe is easy to customize! Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Meat options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage to change up the flavor.
• Potato alternatives: Yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes can be used instead of russet potatoes.
• Cheese variations: While cheddar is classic, you can use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Cream soup alternatives: Instead of canned cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or make your own by mixing butter, flour, and milk for a homemade version.
• Extra veggies: Add some extra nutrition by mixing in peas, corn, or green beans into the beef mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the step-by-step process to make this hearty Cattle Drive Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Once the beef is browned, add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Add the Soup and Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until everything is well combined. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and another ½ cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, if using. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Slice and serve hot!

How to Cook Cattle Drive Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make Cattle Drive Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef and onions until browned, then add seasonings and diced tomatoes.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to make a creamy beef mixture.
4. Layer the casserole: potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
5. Bake covered for 60 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Cattle Drive Casserole:

• Not slicing the potatoes thin enough: Thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛ inch thick) to ensure they cook through properly. If they’re too thick, they may remain undercooked even after baking.
• Overcrowding the casserole dish: If you overfill the baking dish, the casserole may not cook evenly. Make sure the layers aren’t too thick to allow even cooking.
• Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the cheese from over-browning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Though Cattle Drive Casserole is a rustic, comforting dish, you can still make it look beautiful when serving.

How to Serve Cattle Drive Casserole

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a light soup to make it more filling.

Presentation Ideas for Cattle Drive Casserole

• Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness to the casserole.
• Serve in portions: Slice the casserole into even portions for a neater presentation and plate individually.
• Add a colorful side: Pair with a bright salad or roasted vegetables to contrast the richness of the casserole.

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Cattle Drive Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it but don’t bake, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer makes slicing the potatoes thin and even, ensuring they cook evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef and works well in this casserole.

2. Can I freeze Cattle Drive Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking or after. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping and freezing. It will last up to 3 months.

3. How long does Cattle Drive Casserole last in the fridge?
It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I use pre-shredded potatoes or hash browns?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded potatoes or hash browns for convenience. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering.

5. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! You can add vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the beef mixture to add extra texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freeze, or customize with your favorite ingredients.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and whip up this cozy, delicious Cattle Drive Casserole tonight!

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