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