Key Takeaways
This easy ground beef casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich tomato sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying family dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is forgiving, customizable, and delivers delicious leftovers.
What is Shipwreck Dinner?
Hey there, I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe. If you’re searching for a simple, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve found it. This classic dish, often called Shipwreck Dinner or Shipwreck Casserole, is the ultimate comfort food. At its heart, it’s an incredibly easy ground beef casserole. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and sweet carrots, all simmering together in a rich, tomato-based sauce until everything is tender and the flavors have melded into pure deliciousness. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying family dinner that has been passed down through generations for good reason.
Why This Ground Beef Casserole Works
Every great recipe has a “why,” and this one is no exception. This particular easy ground beef casserole works so well because it’s designed for real life. First, it uses humble, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have. Second, the layering method does all the work for you—no need to cook each component separately. As it bakes, the potatoes and carrots steam to perfection in the flavorful liquid from the tomatoes and broth, while the ground beef infuses every bite with its savory richness. The result is a complete, balanced meal in one dish, with minimal hands-on time and even easier cleanup. It’s a perfect example of a simple dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Perfect for Your Weeknight Dinner Rotation
Let’s talk about weeknights. We all need those reliable quick and easy recipes that we can turn to without a second thought. This casserole is a champion in that category. The prep is straightforward: some chopping, a quick brown of the beef, and simple layering. Once it’s in the oven, you have over an hour to tackle homework, relax, or finish up work. It’s forgiving, too. If your potato slices aren’t perfect or you’re a little short on carrots, the casserole will still turn out wonderfully. It’s the ideal solution for a family dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike, leaving everyone full and happy without stressing the cook.
Tips for the Best Easy Casserole
To ensure your ground beef dinner is a total success, keep a few things in mind. For the most tender potatoes and carrots, try to slice them uniformly, about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t skip the step of letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking—this allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to serve neat slices. If you love a crispy, cheesy top, consider broiling it for the last 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese. And finally, taste your tomato sauce mixture before pouring it over; this is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your family’s preference. Following these small steps will elevate your easy recipes from good to absolutely fantastic.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of a foundational recipe like this easy ground beef casserole is its adaptability. Think of it as a template. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some sliced celery or bell peppers between the layers. Looking for a different protein? Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef. If you’re avoiding beans, simply leave them out. This flexibility is what makes it a staple comfort food recipe—you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or what your family craves, ensuring it never gets boring.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If this hearty ground beef and potato dinner hit the spot, you’re in the right place! Here at Patricia Universe, we specialize in turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. I love creating quick and easy recipes that bring people together without keeping you tied to the kitchen. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our collections of one-pot wonders, cozy slow cooker meals, and other simple family-friendly dinners. There’s always a new simple dinner idea waiting to become your next favorite.
Easy Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting One-Pot Shipwreck Dinner
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- In the prepared baking dish, start layering. Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Top with half of the sliced carrots, half of the kidney beans, and all of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Layer the remaining potatoes, carrots, and kidney beans on top of the beef.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
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