Cattle Drive Casserole

Introduction

Saddle up for a hearty and satisfying meal with our Cattle Drive Casserole, inspired by the flavors of the Wild West. This comforting casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, flavorful tomatoes, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection for a dish that’s sure to please even the hungriest cowboy or cowgirl. Whether enjoyed for a family dinner, potluck gathering, or weeknight meal, this Cattle Drive Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s rustle up some ingredients and hit the trail with this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
2. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon half of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the noodles.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and sauce layer.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef and sauce mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the Cattle Drive Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Wild West!

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Cattle Drive Casserole recipe offers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or shared with friends at a gathering, this Cattle Drive Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that will transport you to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West. So grab your cast iron skillet, round up your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of cowboy country!