Shipwreck Casserole Recipe
Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, flavorful tomatoes, peas, corn, and a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese. This one-pan casserole combines basic pantry ingredients for a quick and satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it up as it browns, for about 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Sauté aromatics: Add 1 cup diced onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant and softened.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon salted butter. Mix well to combine.
- Add vegetables and simmer: Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup frozen corn to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, allowing the pasta to start cooking and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the simmering mixture until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer and top: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set for easier portioning and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Frozen peas and corn add sweetness and texture, but you can use fresh vegetables if available.
- For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash more milk or a dollop of sour cream before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Keywords: casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese casserole, easy dinner, family meal
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/shipwreck-casserole-recipe/
