Description

Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, vegetables, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, combining tender elbow macaroni, savory browned beef, sweet peas and corn, all baked until bubbly and golden.

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)

Seasoning

Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: 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 Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Add 1 cup diced onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes, 1 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon salted butter to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Then add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Season and Add Cheese: Once simmering, gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute flavors.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables if you prefer more variety.
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of cream.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Ensure the macaroni is fully cooked after baking; add a few extra minutes if needed depending on your oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shipwreck casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, cheddar cheese casserole, easy dinner recipe