Cаttle Drive Casserole is a simple dish that feels like a big hug from home . It got layers of ground beef , egg noodles and creamy sоup with chеese melting on top, and its cheap and easy to cook . Families eat it all the time cause everyones happy after .
Back in old cowboy days they needed food that fed them well after a hard day leading cattle on the plain . They could cook this over a fire or on a little stove , and it kept cowboys going . Over time this chow went from a rаnch staple to a dish people make at home, passing the recipe down like family treasure .
Nowadays people still cook this casserole because you can change it up anyway you want . Some swap beef for turkey or add veggies , or change soup to non dairy if you need . This flex makes it still loved on tables everywhere . Whether its weeknight dinner or a potluck , this dish sticks around cause good food dont go out of style .
Ingredients and Equipment
To make it , you need these ingredients and tools .
Essential Ingredients
- Ground beef: about 1 lb of lean meat
- Egg noodles: 8 oz to fill
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can for creaminess
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded for melty top
- Onion: 1 diced for flavor
- Bell pepper: 1 diced adds color
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Optional toppings: crushed crackers or extra cheese
For different diets , you can swap stuff:
- Gluten free: use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles
- Vegetarian: replace beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils
- Soup alternatives: try a homemade cream soup or a non-dairy version
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Some tools to have :
- Casserole dish: around 9×13 inches
- Skillet: for browning meat and veggies
- Cooking utensils: spatula or wooden spoon
- Colander: to drain noodles
- Oven mitts: to grab the hot dish
With these on hand , you’re ready to start .
Detailed Recipe for Cattle Drive Casserole
Now let’s start cooking step by step .
Ingredients List
- Main Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Egg noodles (8 oz)
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded)
- Onion (1 diced)
- Bell pepper (1 diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings (crushed crackers, extra cheese)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Cook egg noodles per package instructions , then drain.
- In a large skillet , brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain fat.
- Add onion , bell pepper and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Stir in mushroom soup , noodles and half the cheese . Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour mixture into greased casserole dish , top with remaining cheese and toppings .
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool a few minutes before serving .
Tips for Best Results
- Serve with a green salad to balance richness .
- Crusty bread is awesome to mop up sauce .
- Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat in oven or microwave .
Variations of Cattle Drive Casserole
This dish is easy to switch up :
Different Meat Options
You can use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal .
Vegetarian Versions
Swap beef with plant crumbles or cooked lentils to make it meat-free .
Regional Variations
Add corn , black beans or diced tomatoes to give it a twist from where you live .
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving :
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 30 g
The beef gives protein and veggies add vitamins , so it’s pretty balanced for a comfort meal .
Cultural and Historical Context
This casserole started with cowboys who needed hot and filling meals on long drives . They’d cook over campfires or small stoves , and the recipe stuck around as families kept making it .
Over time it left the frontier and landed in kitchens nationwide , symbolizing homestyle cooking and togetherness .
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with a crisp salad or warm bread for a full dinner experience . It’s perfect for family meals , potlucks or casual get-togethers .
Cattle Drive Casserole in Popular Culture
You’ll see it mentioned in cookbooks, TV shows and online posts about comfort food . Social media fans often share their own versions with mouthwatering pics .
FAQs
- What’s the origin of Cattle Drive Casserole?
It comes from cowboy culture when they needed hearty meals on the trail . - Can I make it ahead?
Yes , assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking . - Is it freezable?
Totally . Wrap well and freeze before or after baking . - What can replace cream of mushroom soup?
Use homemade cream soup or a non-dairy alternative . - How to make it healthier?
Go lean on meat, choose whole-grain noodles or load up on extra veggies .
Conclusion
Cattle Drive Casserole mixes simple ingredients into a tasty, filling dish that feels like home . Its adaptability and history keep it on dinner tables everywhere .
Whether for a quick weeknight or a gathering , this casserole invites everyone to dig in and enjoy .
Cattle Drive Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 casserole dish (3-quart)
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary and add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined, and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy layer.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
