Description
Shipwreck Casserole is your answer to a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal. This layered dish of seasoned ground beef, frozen hash browns, and gooey melted cheese is baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 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
- 4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and set the oven rack to the center. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter. - Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned. - Prepare the Filling:
- Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a sloppy joe-like consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread about two-thirds of the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the hash browns.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add the remaining hash browns on top in a loose layer. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake:
Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. - Add the Final Cheese Layer:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the hash browns are crisp. - Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness if desired.
- Preheat the Oven:
Notes
- Cheese Options: Experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American