Description
Cattle Drive Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that layers seasoned ground beef with black beans, corn, and tomatoes topped with cornbread batter and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines classic Southwestern flavors with a golden cornbread crust, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Finishing
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add remaining ingredients to beef: Stir in the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef.
- Simmer the mixture: Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish and spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom.
- Prepare cornbread batter: In a bowl, prepare the cornbread mix as per package instructions using the egg and milk.
- Top with cornbread batter: Pour and spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the baked cornbread and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Ensure the casserole dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture can enhance flavor and texture.
