Shipwreck Casserole Recipe
Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring a savory mix of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines simmered ingredients with a cheesy baked topping, perfect for a family dinner that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Pasta and Canned Goods
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Dairy and Fats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and softened.
- Simmer: To the skillet, add the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, diced tomatoes (including juices), milk, and salted butter. Stir everything together well. Then add the frozen peas and corn. Bring the entire mixture to a simmer, allowing the pasta to begin softening and the flavors to meld.
- Season and Cheese: Once the mixture is simmering, gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to incorporate creamy, cheesy goodness throughout. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil during baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: shipwreck casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, cheesy casserole, easy family dinner
Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/shipwreck-casserole-recipe/
