Shipwreck Casserole Recipe
Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, milk, frozen vegetables, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. This one-pan casserole combines simmering and baking techniques to create a cheesy, flavorful meal perfect for a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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 Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Cook aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and softened.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, milk, and salted butter. Combine all ingredients thoroughly in the skillet.
- Add frozen vegetables and simmer: Mix in frozen peas and frozen corn, then bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and the pasta to begin softening.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Gradually stir 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the simmering mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the skillet mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving. This enhances flavors and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Be sure to break up the ground beef well when browning to avoid large clumps in the casserole.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese will provide a stronger cheese flavor.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes if desired.
- For a creamier casserole, use whole milk.
- Covering the casserole with foil prevents the cheese from burning while baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Shipwreck Casserole, baked pasta, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, dinner recipe
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/shipwreck-casserole-recipe/
