I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Shipwreck Ground Beef Skillet, a hearty and satisfying meal that lives up to its promise of being fast, cheap, and good. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
The Origins of Shipwreck Casserole
The Shipwreck Casserole, from which this skillet version derives, has its roots in Depression-era cooking. During times of economic hardship, home cooks had to be creative with limited ingredients, often combining whatever they had on hand to create filling meals. The name “shipwreck” likely comes from the jumbled nature of the ingredients, as if they had been tossed together in a shipwreck.
Our skillet version modernizes this concept, using convenience items like boxed macaroni and cheese to speed up the cooking process while still maintaining the hearty, comforting essence of the original. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, satisfying meals that can be whipped up quickly with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 1 lb (450g) Medium ground beef
- 1 Small onion, chopped
- 3 Cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 Box Kraft Dinner (or any boxed macaroni and cheese)
- 1 Medium can (14.5 oz / 411g) of diced tomatoes
- 1 Cup (240ml) Milk
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 Cup Frozen peas (or fresh)
- 1 Can (15 oz / 425g) Corn (sweet corn preferred, or 1 cup fresh corn)
- 1 1⁄2 Cups (170g) Old sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Detailed Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan – just enough to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the pan. In the cleared space, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté these aromatics until they become fragrant and the onion starts to turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Now, it’s time to add the boxed macaroni and cheese components. Sprinkle the cheese powder from the Kraft Dinner over the beef and onion mixture. Then add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the milk, and the dry pasta from the box. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined.
- Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once it’s bubbling, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dish.
- Add the frozen peas and corn to the skillet. If you’re using fresh peas or corn, you can add them at this point as well. Give everything another good stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- After 10 minutes, remove the lid and check the pasta for doneness. If it needs a bit more time, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Replace the lid and let it sit for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Remove the lid, give everything a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese, and your Shipwreck Ground Beef Skillet is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet meal is quite versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- As is: Scoop it straight from the skillet into bowls for a cozy, casual meal.
- With a side salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad.
- With crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Topped with sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Please note that these are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Tips for the Perfect Shipwreck Ground Beef Skillet
- Beef selection: While the recipe calls for medium ground beef, you can use lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, or green beans could work well.
- Cheese choices: While the recipe uses sharp cheddar, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it creamier: For an even creamier texture, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze portions for quick future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these instructions and tips, you’ll create a Shipwreck Ground Beef Skillet that’s not only delicious but also a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who can create satisfying meals from simple ingredients. This dish embodies the spirit of comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and brings a sense of warmth to the dinner table.
This recipe is more than just a quick meal solution – it’s a modern take on a dish born out of necessity that has stood the test of time. It proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The combination of familiar flavors and textures makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike, making it a potential new family favorite.
Remember, cooking is about more than following a recipe – it’s about adapting to what you have and what your family enjoys. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by adjusting seasoning or swapping ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
Enjoy the process of creating this Shipwreck Ground Beef Skillet, and savor every comforting, cheesy bite. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that come together with a little creativity and a lot of love. Happy cooking!
