📝 About This Recipe
This nostalgic masterpiece is the quintessential American comfort bake, layering wholesome ingredients into a single, harmonious dish that develops deep flavor as it roasts. Traditionally known as 'Shipwreck Casserole,' this modern version elevates the classic with fresh aromatics and a perfectly seasoned tomato-herb base. It is the ultimate 'set it and forget it' family dinner, offering a complete meal of protein, starch, and vegetables in every savory scoop.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation Layers
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice (uncooked and rinsed)
- 1 cup Frozen sweet peas (thawed slightly)
- 1.5 pounds Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 fat ratio)
- 1 large Yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 3 medium Russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 2 pieces Celery stalks (thinly sliced)
The Savory Tomato Braise
- 15 ounces Tomato sauce (plain canned sauce)
- 1/2 cup Beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- to taste Kosher salt and black pepper (approximately 1.5 tsp salt total)
Finishing Touches
- 1.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a deep 9x13 inch baking dish or a 4-quart Dutch oven with butter or non-stick spray.
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2
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set this liquid base aside.
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3
Layer 1: Spread the uncooked rinsed rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt.
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4
Layer 2: Evenly distribute the thawed sweet peas over the rice layer.
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5
Layer 3: Crumble the raw ground beef over the peas. Use your fingers to ensure it covers the surface evenly. Season the beef layer with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper.
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6
Layer 4: Scatter the finely diced onions over the beef. The juices from the beef will help soften the onions as they bake.
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7
Layer 5: Add the sliced celery and diced green bell peppers, creating a vibrant vegetable landscape.
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8
Layer 6: Arrange the sliced potatoes in slightly overlapping rows, like shingles on a roof. This ensures every bite has a bit of potato.
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9
Pour the tomato sauce mixture slowly and evenly over the top of the potatoes, ensuring it seeps down through the layers to reach the rice at the bottom.
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10
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or a double layer of aluminum foil. It is crucial that the seal is tight to steam the rice and potatoes properly.
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11
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not peek! The rice needs the trapped steam to become tender.
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12
Remove the dish from the oven and carefully discard the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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13
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown.
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14
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and the layers to set, making it easier to scoop.
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15
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm directly from the dish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always rinse your rice before layering to remove excess starch and prevent the bottom from becoming gummy. Slice the potatoes consistently at 1/4-inch thickness; if they are too thick, they won't soften in time, and if too thin, they will turn to mush. For a deeper flavor profile, try browning the ground beef with the onions in a skillet first, though the raw-layering method is the traditional 'slow-cook' secret. If you prefer a crispy top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2 minutes after the cheese has melted. Don't skip the resting period; it's the difference between a soupy casserole and a perfectly structured bake.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp wedge salad and blue cheese dressing to balance the warm, savory layers. A side of buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover tomato-beef juices. Pair with a glass of medium-bodied Merlot or a cold glass of sweet iced tea. For an extra kick, serve with a side of pickled jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A simple side of honey-glazed carrots adds a nice sweetness to the meal.