Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground beef, beans, vegetables, and spices simmered together to create a comforting and filling dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the excess fat to reduce grease in the dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
- Serve with Cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over individual servings before serving to add a rich, melty touch to the casserole.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell pepper enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to match your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
