Cattle Ranch Casserole Recipe
Here’s a hearty, family-style Cattle Ranch Casserole recipe comforting mix of beef, beans, corn, and cheese baked together in a creamy, zesty sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients:
For the Beef Layer:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz / 425g) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz / 284g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
For the Creamy Layer:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
For the Topping:
2 cups crushed tortilla chips (or corn chips)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
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Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Cook the Beef Layer:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
Add beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Make the Creamy Layer:
In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the beef layer.
Top with crushed tortilla chips.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Add Final Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
7. Serve:
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.
Serve with extra tortilla chips, salsa, or a side salad.
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Tips:
For a spicier casserole, use hot taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.