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+ servings
recipe image of ground beef onions garlic potatoes carrots celery flour milk cheese salt pepper paprika thyme oregano Worcestershire sauce beef broth butter arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Easy Cattle Drive Casserole

A comforting and easy-to-make beef casserole inspired by the traditional cattle drives of the American West. This one-pot dish features ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Ground beef Use 80/20 for flavor
  • 1 medium Onions Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minc
  • 4 medium Potatoes Thinly sliced
  • 2 medium Carrots Peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks Celery Diced
  • 3 tablespoons Flour For the roux
  • 2 cups Milk Whole milk for creamier sauce
  • 1.5 cups Cheese Shredded cheddar
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika for deeper flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Thyme Dried
  • 0.5 teaspoon Oregano Dried
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 cup Beef broth Low sodium
  • 3 tablespoons Butter For the roux

Equipment

  • Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • cutting board,
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate, leaving a little fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. In the same pan, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the butter to the pan. Let it melt, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the paprika, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Return the beef to the pan. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes. Press the potatoes gently into the sauce.
  7. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set. Serve with a big spoon and enjoy the layers of tender potato and creamy beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20g

Notes

For a slow cooker version, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then layer everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This is a great option for busy days.
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