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–+ servings
Benjamin

Quick and Cozy Shipwreck Casserole Recipe

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F and set the oven rack to the center. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter.
  2. 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:
  1. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. 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:
  1. Spread about two-thirds of the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Top with the beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the hash browns.
  3. Sprinkle 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  4. Add the remaining hash browns on top in a loose layer. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Bake:Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. Cool and Serve:Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness if desired.
 

    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.

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