Cattle Drive Casserole

Looking for an easy, hearty dinner the whole family will love? Let me introduce you to this Cattle Drive Casserole. A comfort food classic that’s equal parts creamy, cheesy, and downright satisfying.

A plate of cheesy casserole with ground meat and a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs. A fork rests on the plate, and a green parsley bunch is in the background.

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This recipe combines ground beef, tater tots, and melty cheese into a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear as soon as it hits the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to meal prep something tasty, you’ll want this casserole in your weekly rotation!

My family loves this recipe because it’s incredibly flexible. Some weeks I stick to the recipe, other weeks I throw in extras like diced green peppers or even a handful of bacon bits. And you know what? It ALWAYS turns out delicious. It’s a one-dish wonder that gets rave reviews every time.

If you love recipes with ground beef, then next you should try this recipe for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash or this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. For exact measurements, make sure to scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ground beef – The star protein for this dish! You can also switch it up by using ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Onion – Dice it up finely for flavor and texture. Sweet, yellow, or white onions all work great.
Garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlicky goodness without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
Paprika – A pinch of paprika gives a smoky and slightly sweet hint to the base.
Salt and pepper – Season to your taste for perfectly balanced flavors.
Cream of mushroom soup – The secret to that creamy, velvety texture. You could swap for cream of celery or golden mushroom soup.
Cream of chicken soup – Adds extra richness and blends beautifully with the beef and veggies.
Sour cream – For creaminess with a slight tang. Greek yogurt is a great alternative if needed.
Shredded cheddar cheese – The gooier, the better! Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but any melting cheese works beautifully.
Frozen tater tots – The crispy topping that makes this casserole a comfort food dream.

Instructions

This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.

Ground beef with onions cooking in a white skillet, topped with paprika and garlic powder. A wooden spatula is in the pan. Surrounding bowls contain cheese, sour cream, and liquid ingredients.

Step 1: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

A pot containing ground beef topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. A wooden spoon rests inside. Measuring cups and bowls with ingredients are nearby.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and some of shredded cheese. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.

Baking dish with uncooked mixture of sausage, cheese, and other ingredients on a white countertop. Nearby are measuring cups and bowls with shredded cheese and spices.

Step 3: Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of tater tots.

Baked casserole with tater tots and melted cheese in a white dish, placed on a woven mat. Utensil, salt, pepper, and parsley are nearby.

Step 4: In a preheated oven, bake uncovered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tater tots and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool.

Storage

Storage – Transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. It’s just as tasty the next day!

Freezing – Want to prepare it ahead of time? Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Reheating – To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single portions with a damp paper towel over them to keep things moist and delicious.

A baked casserole dish filled with tater tots and melted cheese, partially served with a metal spatula. A portion is served on a white plate nearby.

Wendy’s Tips

For some extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Want to spice things up? Add a small can of diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne.
Use high-quality frozen tater tots that crisp well. They’re the key to that satisfying crunch!

What To Serve With Cattle Drive Casserole

Sides: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables such as Roasted sweet potatoes and green beans, or Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes to serve alongside the casserole. They add some variety and balance out the richness of the dish.
Desserts: For a sweet finish, consider serving something light and refreshing like a fruit salad or vanilla ice cream with fresh berries. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, a warm Chocolate Chip Hershey Kiss Cookies or Brownie Lasagna would also pair well with this hearty casserole.

A plate of cheesy tater tot casserole on a woven mat, garnished with herbs. A fork and fresh parsley are beside the plate.

FAQs

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in veggies like corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers. It’s an easy way to make it more colorful and nutritious.

Do I have to use tater tots?

Tater tots are what make this dish fun and unique, but if you’re out of them, diced potatoes or even hash browns can work in a pinch.