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Cattle Drive Casserole

Cattle Drive Casserole
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Cattle Drive Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and a crispy corn chip topping. Perfect for family meals, this easy-to-make casserole offers bold, savory flavors with simple preparation and versatile options to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups crushed corn chips or tortilla chips

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Onions and Peppers: In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base of the casserole.
  3. Combine with Tomato Sauce and Spices: Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beef and veggies. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread half the beef mixture as the first layer. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
  5. Top with Chips and Bake: Crush corn chips and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Drain Excess Grease: Removing extra fat from cooked beef prevents a watery casserole.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and peppers give a brighter flavor than dried or canned alternatives.
  • Layer Wisely: Cheese in the middle as well as on top ensures every bite gets cheesy love.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit a few minutes after baking to set up and make serving easier.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust seasoning based on your family’s heat tolerance to keep everyone happy.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy family meal, gluten-free casserole, one dish meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/cattle-drive-casserole/