Cattle Drive Casserole: Ground Beef, Cheddar, Corn and Peas 🌽🧀

This hearty and satisfying casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, bringing together the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheddar, sweet corn, and vibrant green peas. It's a one-dish meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone. Imagine a cowboy's feast after a long day on the trail—this dish captures that spirit!

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked rice (or 1 cup uncooked rice that will cook in the casserole)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the topping

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, drained corn, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is well blended.

   🌶️ For a little kick, add about 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture!

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole, followed by the additional cheddar cheese on top.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

7. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty Cattle Drive Casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread!

🍽️ This casserole is great for leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for later enjoyment.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or mix in more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Spicy Tex-Mex: Add black beans and diced jalapeños to the mix. Top with some diced tomatoes and avocado after baking for a fresh touch!
• Smooth and Creamy: Use cream cheese instead of cream of mushroom soup for an even creamier texture.
• One-Pot Version: If using uncooked rice, add an additional cup of broth or water to the mixture to help the rice cook while baking.

This Cattle Drive Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, bringing comfort and warmth to any dinner table! 🍽️🤠