I love recipes that are just thrown together, popped in the oven and the rest of the work is done for you! This Easy Shipwreck Casserole Recipe is just that - EASY! It's a simple, delicious, and hearty one-pot comfort food meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The original recipe and most versions of shipwreck casseroles are in the form of a layered casserole, but doing all that 'layering' work really isn't necessary when you can just throw everything together!
This easy dinner recipe was a big hit at my house and is popular any time of the year, although it makes a great cozy dish when it's chilly outside. This shipwreck recipe is an old-fashioned recipe that's inspired by the traditional "shipwreck stew" or "hobo stew" that was often cooked over an open fire by travelers or workers during the Great Depression.
🍒Reader Review
" “Recently bumped into your "Easy Shipwreck" casserole and had it tonight. BEST RECIPE I HAVE EVER FOUND ON THE INTERNET! Always looking for easy but tasty recipes as most of them I get interested in have too many steps. I couldn't believe this didn't even ask me to brown the meat. So it's A+ in simple and 3xA+ in taste. Can't wait for leftovers tomorrow night!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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It's called "Shipwreck Casserole" because it's said that the ingredients for this recipe could be salvaged from a shipwreck. So, yeah, you're bound to have these ingredients on hand in your pantry, fridge, and freezer! And if you love ground beef casseroles, be sure to try my Potato and Ground Beef Casserole (with spinach)!
It also reminds me a lot of my Dad's 'hamburger surprise' we used to eat growing up, except he'd make it in a large skillet on the stovetop. And if you love easy hamburger and potato recipes, give my Hamburger Soup with Potatoes a try!
🥘Ingredient Notes
To make this shipwreck casserole, you will need some basic ingredients:
- Celery. Gives a nice flavor and crunch!
- Frozen mixed vegetables. I use these because they are economical and healthy and I always have them on hand.
- Uncooked rice and Potatoes. * I use instant white rice as it needs less time to cook than regular long grain rice.
- Raw ground beef. *It is critical you use EXTRA LEAN (do NOT use regular or lean) because you don't precook it and using anything less than extra lean would make the casserole greasy.
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Slow Cooker -this can be cooked in a slow cooker (crock pot) for 4-6 hours on low (until ground beef is cooked through- see top tip)
- Potatoes - you can use any type of potato, but russet potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes) work well in this dish. And you could used sliced potatoes instead of chopping them
- Ground Meat - you could use ground turkey instead of ground beef
- Rice - you can use instant brown rice or white rice
- Add-ins- you could also use dark red kidney beans and Italian seasoning and top the casserole with shredded cheese
- Frozen mixed vegetables: you could use fresh carrots instead, with canned corn, frozen or fresh peas, and fresh green beans
🔪How to Make Easy Shipwreck Casserole
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) and spray the casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Add all ingredients to casserole dish (do NOT cook the ground beef in advance)
Mix together.
Cover and cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
*You will know it's done when the ground beef is cooked through (see top tip)
Top tip
You will know for sure that the casserole is done if you use an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) to make sure the casserole is at 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
🥗 What to serve with Shipwreck Casserole
Shipwreck Casserole has everything in it and is a complete meal on its own, but if I serve it with something besides bread or a side salad, I like to serve it with :
And for dessert...this casserole pairs perfectly with my Mixed Berry Crumble (with Lemon, Mint & Coconut), which is also a very easy recipe!
🌡️Storage
Store leftover Shipwreck Casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want a simple make-ahead dinner, you can make this dish 2-3 days in advance and it can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
👪 Serving Size
This shipwreck recipe makes 8 servings. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. You'll just need a bigger casserole dish if you double or triple it.
🔢WW Points
This hearty casserole recipe is Weight Watchers friendly @ 5 WW points per serving. However, if you use ground turkey instead of ground beef, it's 3 WW points per serving.
And if you love ground beef casserole recipes, then check out my Potato and Ground Beef Casserole (with spinach) or my Crockpot Cowboy Casserole!
And be sure to check out my Healthy Comfort Foods for more easy, healthy, and delicious meals!
So if you are looking for easy casserole dishes, this is a recipe the whole family will love; this shipwreck dinner is sure to become a family favorite!
🍲More Casseroles
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📋 Easy Shipwreck Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- ¼ cup instant rice (uncooked)
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 2 cans condensed tomato soup 10 oz cans
Garnish (optional)
- green onions
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) and spray a 2 quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add everything to the casserole dish. * Do NOT cook the ground beef in advance, add it raw.
- Mix together.
- Cover.
- Cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours or until ground beef is cooked through.
Lisa Chicola
We made a version of this in girl scouts in the 60's on camp outs.I used a can of Rotel tomatoes in place of one of the soups because it was what I had. Still was a good, speedy dinner!
Terri Gilson
That's very cool, Lisa! We never made anything that yummy on girl guide cook-outs - lucky you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Terri
Norma Del Pezo
This recipe looks yummy and super easy ...but...it can be done in pressure cooker instead ? Instead of two hours in the oven...Thanks
Terri Gilson
Hi Norma,
I don't see why not. I don't have a pressure cooker and have honestly never used one, but if you know how to change recipes for your pressure cooker it should work. It will work in a slow cooker. Enjoy! Terri
Edith
I remember my Mom making a version of this recipe. We always loved it. This version is so easy and so good.
Terri Gilson
Glad it could bring back fond memories for you, Edith! And I'm happy to hear you enjoyed my version 🙂
Terri
Angela
A GREAT recipe, even though I substituted cauliflower for the potatoes, used brown rice, & used Heart Healthy canned soup.
I made this a bit healthier than the original recipe was, but it was (still) a very tasty dish.
I liked that your recipe called for Extra Lean Ground Beef, especially since I never use Ground Beef that's fattier than 90/10% in any of my dishes. I try to make interesting, yet healthy meals for my family.
My family (even the kiddoes) loved this Casserole. I'll definately make it again.
Terri Gilson
I love your even healthier version, Angela! And happy to hear the family loved it! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Terri