The Art of Ultimate Cattle Drive Casserole with Western Comfort Perfection

Perfect Beef Browning Mastery

Master the technique of properly browning ground beef for maximum flavor development.

Western Seasoning Excellence

Learn the skill of layering southwestern spices for authentic cowboy flavor.

Cornbread Topping Perfection

Perfect the method of creating fluffy cornbread topping that bakes to golden perfection.

Bean Integration Technique

Master the art of combining different beans for optimal texture and flavor.

Casserole Assembly and Baking

Learn optimal layering and baking techniques for perfectly cooked casserole.

Gourmet Western Cooking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cattle Drive Casserole

Bean Variety: Using three different beans adds texture and visual appeal to the casserole.

Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and jalapeños to suit your family's heat preference.

Cornbread Consistency: Don't overmix cornbread batter to keep it light and fluffy.

Cheese Coverage: Leave some gaps in cornbread topping for cheese to peek through.

Make Ahead: Casserole can be assembled day ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Leftover Storage: This casserole reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Cattle Drive Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

Name: Cattle Drive Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Hearty Beef Base:; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 large onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Bean Medley:; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; For the Western Seasoning:; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup barbecue sauce; For the Cornbread Topping:; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour

The ultimate cattle drive casserole featuring hearty ground beef, savory beans, southwestern vegetables, and golden cornbread topping baked to perfection. This gourmet western comfort food masterpiece combines the bold flavors of the frontier with the satisfying heartiness of a one-dish meal, creating an unforgettable casserole experience that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights perfect for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or any time you crave the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and comforting flavors reminiscent of authentic cowboy cooking around the campfire.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

1H5 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Hearty Beef Base:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 large onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bean Medley:

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

For the Western Seasoning:

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup beef broth

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

For the Cornbread Topping:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

For the Cheese Layer:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Vegetable Additions:

1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)

2 jalapeños, seeded and diced

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

For the Gourmet Touches:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

Sour cream for serving

For the Garnish:

Extra cilantro, chopped

Sliced green onions

Diced avocado

Lime wedges

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9x13 inch baking dish.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion and bell peppers, cook 5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned.

Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in pan.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.

Cook spices for 1 minute until fragrant and toasted.

Add tomato paste and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour in diced tomatoes, all three types of beans, and corn.

Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce.

Stir in diced jalapeños, lime juice, and honey.

Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.

Simmer mixture 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro and green onions.

Transfer beef and bean mixture to prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over top.

For cornbread topping, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Drop cornbread batter by spoonfuls over cheese layer.

Spread gently to cover most of the surface, leaving some gaps.

Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes in preheated oven.

Remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more until cornbread is golden.

Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to set properly.

Cattle Drive Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cattle Drive Casserole with Western Comfort Perfection

Cattle Drive Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

Ingredients

Instructions