Why is it called a John Wayne casserole?

The name "John Wayne casserole" is a common nickname for cattle drive casserole . It's thought to be because of John Wayne's image as a rugged cowboy, who embodies the spirit of the Old West. The hearty, simple nature of the dish makes it seem like something he would enjoy on the trail. It is the same basic recipe but goes by many different names.

What did they eat on cattle drives?

On cattle drives, cowboys ate simple, filling meals. These typically included beef, beans, biscuits, and coffee. They were often prepared over an open fire. Therefore, practicality and portability were important. Moreover, they relied on foods that wouldn’t spoil easily.

How many cows are in a cattle drive?

The number of cows in a cattle drive varied. They could be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand. The size of the drive depended on the ranch and the distance. It also depended on the market they were headed to. The drives were very long and hard work.

What are the 5 components of a casserole?

The five main components of a casserole include a starch, a protein, vegetables, a binder, and a topping. The starch can be pasta, rice, or potatoes. The protein is often meat but can also be beans or legumes. The vegetables add nutrients and flavor. The binder can be a cream of soup, cheese, or broth. Finally, the topping often includes cheese or breadcrumbs.

Cattle Drive Casserole: Hearty Western Comfort Food 6 Servings!.

Name: Hearty Cattle Drive Casserole: A Tasty Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 (15 oz) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough

Description

Cattle drive casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired dish layered with ground beef, beans, cheese, and a creamy biscuit topping—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or satisfying weeknight comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 (15 oz) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Unroll crescent dough and press into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.

5. Spread beef mixture evenly over the dough.

6. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Spread over beef mixture.

7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize with jalapeños, black olives, or corn for extra flavor.

Use ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a lighter version.

Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous slice
Calories: 490
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cattle drive casserole, ground beef casserole, Tex-Mex bake, easy family dinner