Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines ground beef, veggies, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheese in one easy bake. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights, family get-togethers, or when you just need a cozy, filling meal. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this casserole is a hit every time.
Why You’ll Love This Shipwreck Casserole
This recipe is all about convenience and taste. You can easily tweak the spices or swap out the protein and vegetables to suit your taste. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, who can resist layers of crispy hash browns and melty cheese?
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (30-ounce) package of frozen hash browns, divided (keep frozen)
- 4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Shipwreck Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Brown the Beef: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Add Veggies & Spices: Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer with Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture is thick, about 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer two-thirds of the frozen hash browns in the prepared dish. Spread the beef mixture over them, then top with 2 cups of cheese. Add the remaining hash browns and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the simmer: Thickening the tomato-beef mixture prevents a watery casserole.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the dish a day early and store it in the fridge. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
- Cheese options: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or spicier twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with plant-based crumbles and add more veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Crunchy Top: Swap the top layer of hash browns for crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 40g
- Carbs: 39g
- Protein: 29g
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shipwreck Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance its richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls make a perfect side, and a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce can add an extra pop of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipwreck Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble a day in advance and store in the fridge. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time when ready to cook.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Definitely. Shred them and remove excess moisture before layering.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Cool completely, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat in the oven.
How can I make it spicier? Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use a spicy cheese blend.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, as long as your hash browns and spices are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and giving this Shipwreck Casserole a try! It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes for its unbeatable mix of flavor, comfort, and ease. Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking — and thank you for being part of this wonderful food-loving community!
Shipwreck Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Shipwreck Casserole is the ultimate comfort food bake! Layers of seasoned ground beef, veggies, crispy hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese come together in this easy family-friendly dinner. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep!
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (30-ounce) package frozen hash browns, divided (keep frozen)
4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
2 sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Brown the Beef: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Add Veggies & Spices: Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer with Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture is thick, about 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer two-thirds of the frozen hash browns in the prepared dish. Spread the beef mixture over them, then top with 2 cups of cheese. Add the remaining hash browns and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if chilled.
Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or spicier version.
For extra flavor, mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 29g