Shipwreck Casserole, A Book Review and the Weekly Menu

Created in the 1940's this classic hamburger/potato dinner is called Shipwreck Casserole.  There are several different theories as to how it got it's name.

One is that it was created by sailors who used salvage from their shipwreck.  Another is that it is called a shipwreck due to it's messy appearance and yet another legend claims it was named after passengers made dinner by combining whatever ingredients were available.

I had never heard of this casserole, however it is a familiar dish, especially for us Baby Boomers who grew up on casseroles. 

I was listening to the 13th book in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, Glass Houses, that takes place in the quaint little town of Three Pines, located in Quebec, Canada.  This town is filled with people who have been friends and confidants for a long time.  A town filled with love and acceptance.  

And more murder and crime than you would find in a large city LOL.....This time the crime is drug running and it is happening right under the noses of all the resident in Three Pines including the once retired but now Head of the Surete du Quebec.

Until a murder takes place and secrets are uncovered giving Gamache an opportunity to win the war on drugs even though most battles have been lost.  Gamache has a plan on how to win this war but it means "Burning his Ships".

In this book of the series, several new characters are introduced, including a new chef working at the neighborhood cafe.  This chef does an amazing job and tries to use local products whenever possible.  One of the dishes he bakes up is a beef casserole.  

I make a ton of beef casseroles but was inspired to try to find another.  When I came across this Shipwreck Casserole, I thought it fit perfectly with the Burn the Ships theme.

I am still enjoying this series and have already started on the 14th book.  I enjoyed this casserole very much as well.  What's not to love?  Potatoes, Hamburger, Tomatoes and Cheese without any cream of anything soup.  

I will be sharing this recipe over at Foodies Read.  Stop by and see what the other Foodies are reading this month.

Mia's Birthday celebration was moved from today to Monday.  Tomorrow we are going downtown to Fox Theater for Elf, The Musical.  We will be going out for dinner after the show.  Friday evening Amy, Cathy, Sharon and I are going out for a Ladies Night Out Fundraising Event.  Frank is going to a Tribute to the songs of Grease with John and our friends Rose and Frank.

Don't forget to scroll past the recipe to see the Weekly Menu.  What's on your menu this week?

Entrees, Casseroles, Burger, Beef, Cheese, Potatoes

Entrees, Beef

American

Yield: 8 servings

Author: Wendy Klik

Shipwreck Casserole

Created in the 1940's this classic hamburger/potato dinner is called Shipwreck Casserole. There are several different theories as to how it got it's name. The most popular being the messy appearance.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 t. cumin
• 1 t. sweet paprika
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (30 oz) package frozen diced hashbrown potatoes (do not thaw)
• 4 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Place the burger into a skillet over med-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain if needed.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Season with cumin and paprika and cook until fragrant and the vegetables are beginning to soften.
3. Add the tomatoes with their juices, reduce to a simmer and cook until the juices have reduced and the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Place 2/3 of the frozen potatoes into a 9x13" baking pan that has been treated with cooking spray. Spread the hamburger mixture over the top and sprinkle with 2 cups of the cheese. Top with the remaining potatoes (they will not completely cover the top).
5. Bake, uncovered in a preheated 400* oven for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for another 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and browned.

Notes

Adapted from a recipe found at Simply Recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

440

Fat (grams)

31 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

15 g

Carbs (grams)

16 g

Fiber (grams)

2 g

Net carbs

14 g

Sugar (grams)

4 g

Protein (grams)

25 g

Sodium (milligrams)

512 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

97 mg

Similar Recipes

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Hamburger Potato Casserole

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Property of A Day in the Life on the Farm

Weekly Menu

Saturday

Gnocchi 

Sunday

Out after Elf

Monday-Miia's Birthday Celebration

Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki

Appetizers by Marina

Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Lamb Meatballs

Greek Village Salad

Salads by Marina

Birthday Cake by Marina

Taco Tuesday

Frito Chili Pie

Wednesday

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Thursday

Oven Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Rice 

Green Beans

Friday

Separate Dinners out