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A hearty Cattle Drive Casserole dish, rich and comforting.

Classic Cattle Drive Casserole

This classic cattle drive casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner. It features seasoned ground beef, O'Brien potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 chopped medium yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.75 ounce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups frozen O'Brien potatoes diced potatoes with peppers and onions, thawed
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Dutch Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sour cream (if using); simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Gently stir in the thawed O'Brien potatoes with the beef mixture.
  6. Pour half of the beef and potato mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining mixture.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using a full-fat cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrients. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.