Cattle Ranch Casserole Recipe – A Hearty Southern Comfort Classic

Recipes

Table of Contents

Cattle Ranch Casserole Recipe

This Cattle Ranch Casserole Recipe is the definition of down-home comfort food — a warm, bubbling dish filled with ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and tender pasta baked together into one seriously satisfying meal.

If you’ve ever dreamed of the flavors of a Texas cookout but want something quick and cozy, this ranch casserole is the perfect fix. It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to feed a hungry family with love and flavor.

🍅 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 lb (450 g)	Lean 80/20 or 90/10 works best
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For sautéing
Onion, chopped	1 medium	Adds sweetness
Garlic, minced	2 cloves	Boosts flavor
Canned diced tomatoes	1 (14 oz) can	With juices
Tomato sauce	1 cup	Adds richness
Corn kernels (drained)	1 cup	Canned or frozen
Black beans (rinsed)	1 (15 oz) can	Adds texture and protein
Cooked elbow macaroni	3 cups	Any small pasta works
Sour cream	½ cup	For creamy texture
Shredded cheddar cheese	1½ cups	Divided, for layering
Taco seasoning	2 tbsp	Homemade or packet mix
Salt & pepper	To taste	—
Green onions or parsley	For garnish	Optional but pretty!

💡 Optional swaps: Use tater tots or cooked rice instead of pasta for a fun twist.

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft (about 3 minutes).
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together beef mixture, pasta, black beans, corn, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheese.
Stir until everything is coated in that creamy, savory sauce.

Step 4: Bake

Pour mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from oven, cool slightly, and top with green onions or parsley.
Serve hot with a side salad or warm bread — and watch it disappear fast!

💛 Flavor Notes

Rich & savory from seasoned ground beef
Creamy from sour cream and cheese
Smoky & hearty thanks to taco spices
Balanced texture from corn and beans

Each bite delivers that perfect mix of Southern comfort and homestyle simplicity.

🧀 Variations

Style	Add / Change	Result
Spicy Ranch Casserole	Add jalapeños or hot sauce	Extra kick 🌶️
Cowboy Casserole	Swap pasta for tater tots	Crisp top, classic flavor
Vegetarian Version	Skip beef, add lentils or mushrooms	Still hearty
Low-Carb Version	Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta	Keto-friendly option

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warm, or microwave single servings.

💡 Pro Tip: This casserole actually tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight!

🍽️ What to Serve With Cattle Ranch Casserole

Fresh green salad or coleslaw
Warm cornbread or garlic bread
A cold sweet tea or lemonade for the full Southern vibe

FAQ

Can I make cattle ranch casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes — both work great for a lighter version.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives that authentic flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are also delicious.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a little more sour cream or mix in ½ cup of cream of mushroom soup.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, just cool fully before freezing. Reheat in the oven until hot throughout.

Your comment will be published after it has been approved. Please send comments that do not contain slang words.

Name *

E-mail *

Comment *