How long to cook shipwreck casserole?

Shipwreck casserole usually takes about 1 hour to cook in the oven. Most recipes call for layering raw ground beef, sliced potatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots or rice in a casserole dish, then pouring over a can of tomato soup or diced tomatoes. Cover snugly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes. The key is making sure the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked. If you like a crispier top, you can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Every oven is a little different, so check the potatoes with a fork before serving. Once everything’s bubbling and the veggies are tender, it’s ready to serve!" It’s a great make-ahead meal, too, since the flavors get even better as it sits.

Can you make potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make potato casserole ahead of time! In fact, prepping it in advance can make your life a lot easier, especially for holidays or busy weeknights. Just assemble the casserole as you normally would—layering your potatoes, cheese, sauce, and any other ingredients—then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it bakes evenly, then pop it in the oven as directed. Some casseroles, like cheesy hash brown or scalloped potato versions, actually taste even better when the flavors have had time to meld. You can also freeze potato casseroles before baking, just be sure to wrap them well. Making it ahead is a real time-saver and helps you enjoy stress-free meals!

Where did shipwreck casserole come from?

Shipwreck casserole is a classic comfort food with roots in North American home cooking, especially in the Midwest and Canada. The name “shipwreck” is a bit of a mystery, but it’s thought to come from the idea of tossing together whatever ingredients you have on hand—like a “shipwreck” of leftovers or pantry staples. It became popular during the Great Depression and World War II, when families needed hearty, budget-friendly meals that could stretch to feed a crowd. The basic recipe usually includes ground beef, potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes or tomato soup, all layered and baked together. Some versions add rice, beans, or carrots. It’s a true “dump and bake” dish, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Shipwreck casserole is still loved today for its simplicity, flexibility, and cozy, homey flavor.

Can you freeze shipwreck casserole?

Yes, shipwreck casserole freezes really well, making it a great option for meal prep or saving leftovers. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after baking. Then, either wrap the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into airtight containers for individual servings. Don’t forget to label it with the date—it’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot and bubbly—usually about 30-40 minutes for a whole casserole, or less for single portions. You can also freeze shipwreck casserole before baking; just assemble, wrap, and freeze. When baking from frozen, add extra time and keep it covered until the last 15 minutes. Freezing is a great way to have a comforting, homemade meal ready whenever you need it!

Irresistible Shipwreck Casserole with Potatoes in 60 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Shipwreck Casserole with Potatoes in 60 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil

Description

A hearty and comforting casserole made with potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until browned.
Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Top with the beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Add other vegetables like carrots or peas if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg