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Cattle Drive Casserole

A hearty layered casserole of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a cornbread-style topping that creates a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef recommended
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained Make sure to drain well
  • 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided Reserve for topping
For the cornbread topping
  • 1 8 oz package corn muffin mix Use gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup milk Adjust if too dry
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
Optional Garnishes
  • sliced jalapenos For spicing it up
  • chopped cilantro
  • sour cream

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic powder while sautéing.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, drained corn, and black beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
  5. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet or pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, milk, and beaten eggs until just combined. The batter should be pourable but thick.
  7. Gently spoon or pour the corn batter over the filling, smoothing it with a spatula so it covers evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top if desired.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

For a cheesy finish, sprinkle extra cheddar in the final five minutes of baking. Leftovers make excellent lunches.