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Freshly baked cattle drive casserole topped with melted cheese, green onions, and jalapeños in a 9x13-inch dish.

Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe

This hearty cattle drive casserole combines savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a choice of biscuit or crispy hash brown topping. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/chicken as a lighter option
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 15 oz can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen corn optional
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded recommended
  • 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough or 4 cups frozen hash browns topping
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Large skillet (for browning meat)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula (for breaking up meat)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish (for assembling the casserole)
  • Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
  • Mixing bowls (optional, for prepping ingredients)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked.
  3. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom.
  6. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
  7. Add the topping, arrange biscuit dough pieces or spread the hash browns evenly over the cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes if desired.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • For a lower-carb version, omit the beans and use cauliflower hash browns.
  • Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.