Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cattle-Ranch Casserole

A family-style Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cattle-Ranch Casserole — a Tex-Mex inspired bake layered with savoury beef, beans, and a creamy dairy-free topping.

Hearty, wholesome, and entirely gluten-free, this dish is a weeknight hero that delivers big flavour with minimal effort.

Think of it as comfort food meets convenience — a one-pan wonder that’s loaded with satisfying textures, bold spices, and that familiar ranch-style warmth. Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or using up leftover pasta, this casserole brings together everything you love about classic cowboy cooking, but in a lighter, allergy-friendly form that everyone can enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 500g lean minced beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 red pepper, diced

• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

• 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chilli powder (optional)

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 200g cooked gluten-free pasta (such as penne or fusilli)

• 150ml coconut yoghurt or other dairy-free yoghurt

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour)

• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and cook the beef until browned.

3. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper; cook for 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, kidney beans, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Mix in cooked pasta and stir well to coat.

6. Pour mixture into a baking dish.

7. In a small bowl, mix coconut yoghurt with nutritional yeast and spread evenly over the top.

8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top.

9. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Keeps well refrigerated for up to four days. I love making this ahead for busy weeks — it reheats like a dream and feels like a warm hug in a dish.

If you loved this, try my Meatloaf or for a quick and easy dessert Dubai Chocolate

What Makes This Gluten Free Dairy Free Cattle-Ranch Casserole Special

This casserole takes all the hearty, down-home flavours of a classic ranch supper and makes them gluten- and dairy-free without sacrificing a thing. The combination of spiced beef, tender pasta, and creamy coconut yoghurt “cheese” topping creates that same indulgent comfort as a Tex-Mex lasagne — just lighter, allergen-safe, and family-friendly. The nutritional yeast adds a naturally cheesy note while the coconut yoghurt keeps the topping luxuriously creamy. It’s a perfect example of how free-from cooking can still be full of flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole straight from the oven with a sprinkle of coriander and a side of creamy guacamole or sliced avocado. For a heartier meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or gluten-free garlic bread. It’s equally delicious with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.

Leftovers also make an incredible packed lunch — just reheat and enjoy with a spoonful of salsa on top.

Storage & Reheating

This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days and reheats perfectly, making it ideal for batch cooking. To reheat, simply cover and warm in the oven at 170°C until piping hot, or microwave individual portions with a splash of stock or water to keep it moist. You can also freeze it in portions for up to two months — perfect for busy evenings when you need something hearty in a hurry.

Optional Tips & Variations

• Add sweetcorn or courgette for extra vegetables.

• Use leftover chilli con carne as the base for a shortcut version.

• Swap the minced beef for turkey or lentils for a lighter option.

• Sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

• Serve with a side of avocado slices or guacamole.