Go Back

Hearty Shipwreck Casserole with Ground Beef

This hearty shipwreck casserole with ground beef is pure comfort food, featuring layers of beef, potatoes, beans, bacon, and cheese, perfect for chilly nights and family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 525
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1.5 lb ground beef Choose 80/20 or 85/15 blend for best flavor
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup) Can substitute with yellow or sweet onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 lb russet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and sliced thinly (under 1/4 inch)
  • 1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Corn Flakes mixed with 1 tbsp melted salted butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, then drain off the excess fat.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, and cayenne so the meat is well seasoned.
Layering the Casserole
  1. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Add half of the beef mixture, half of the kidney beans, and half of the crumbled bacon on top.
  3. Pour one can of tomato soup over the layers.
  4. Repeat the same layers one more time.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese and buttered Corn Flakes over the top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving
  1. Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs of your choice and serve warm.
Slow Cooker Option
  1. For a slow cooker version, brown and season the beef mixture, then layer everything in the slow cooker the same way.
  2. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Add the cheese near the end and let it melt.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.