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- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (you can use russet or Yukon gold)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a different flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed veggies like corn, carrots, or green beans)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, to thin out the soup)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meat)
How to Make Shipwreck Dinner Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or other meat of choice) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the meat is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes thinly. This will help them cook evenly in the casserole. If you want to speed up the process, you can microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before slicing to soften them.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked ground meat, followed by a handful of frozen peas (or your choice of veggies). Spoon about half of the cream of mushroom soup over the top, spreading it evenly. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, meat, veggies, and soup.
- Top with Cheese: Once you’ve assembled the layers, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you like a crispy cheese topping, feel free to add a bit more cheese for extra indulgence!
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Shipwreck Dinner Casserole
- Add more flavor: Feel free to experiment with extra spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
- Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for a creamy, gooey texture.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap the peas for other vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans. You could even add some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Simply assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts: A YAY for Shipwreck Dinner Casserole!
The Best Shipwreck Dinner Casserole is a true YAY in every sense. It’s the ultimate comfort food – simple, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a large family, cooking for a potluck, or looking for a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this casserole is a hit. Easy to make, customizable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters, this dish is one that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Give it a try, and soon this Shipwreck Dinner Casserole will become a regular in your dinner rotation!
