Grandma Flo's Shipwreck Recipe

TRY THIS: For those who found the results a bit dry or lacking a bit of "umph", consider using a can of plain BAKED BEANS rather than the kidney beans. That's how my mom makes it, and it really juices up the dish and rounds out the flavor. I would also recommend seasoning the potatoes and meat a little, but the beauty of this recipe should definitely remain in its simplicity.

I was given this recipe years ago by my Ex sister in law. I tried it this way the 1st time I made it but didn't like the idea of layering the raw meat & raw potatoes. So I made a huge yet easier modification. I cook my ground beef in a skillet on the stove. While that is cooking I cook my sliced potatoes with onions & bell peppers to an electric skillet. When everything is cooked I add the meat to the potatoes in the electric skillet & then tomato soup & pork n beans. Let everything cook together until hot. It is so much easier & so many good flavors.

From reading all the other reviews I knew I'd have to make several changes to what appears to be a bland and fairly dry casserole. Once I did that it was a FANTASTIC recipe for a quick dinner that holds well in the refrigerator. It came out as a cross between chili and stew that my husband fell in love with. I made these additions/changes... I pre-cooked the ground beef with additional onion and seasonings. I cubed the potatoes, coarse-chopped the onion (using a large one), added 1/2 t. Penzeys bay leaf seasoning, 1 t. Morton's Natures Season, one rounded tablespoon of jarred minced garlic in liquid (the type from the produce dept.) and 2 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce. I also mixed everything instead of layering so the flavors would blend. I used a 3-quart casserole and baked it covered for 75 minutes. I then uncovered it, topped it with 4 oz. of shredded cheese and baked for an additional 10-15 minutes.

One dish simplicity! I simmer it in my crockpot on low all afternoon until dinner. It's one of my husband's favorites! His Mom made Shipwreck quite often & shared this recipe with me over 40 year ago! Occasionally I substitute Campbell's Zesty Tomato for a savory flare.

Just like my mom used to make. Only I substituted pork n beans in place of kidney beans. That's what my mom would use. Plus, and I can't stress this enough, DO NOT pre-cook the meat. Put it in raw and the juices and fat that will render from the meat will be enough juice to make this casserole yummy. I chop up the onions so you get a bit of onion w every bite. Plus I sprinkle a little garlic powder over the onion layer for more flavor. Last 10 minutes of cooking I sprinkle a layer of extra sharp chedder. Meat, beans, potatoes, and cheese...yum! Can't go wrong.

I've been making this casserole for almost 50 years. Still a great favorite here. DO NOT DRAIN THE BEANS!!! You lose a lot of flavor and all it will be very dry. Also throw in some basil or oregano (or both)💖💖👍👍

While I thought this was pretty good, my husband LOVED it. He said it was surprisingly good because it doesn't look all that appetizing. The clincher for me is that it is such an easy recipe to put together (and likely have all ingredients on hand). I did brown ground beef first and baked only 50 minutes total. I also added some garlic salt to cooked beef (potato layer definately needs to be salted on its own) and shredded cheddar on top after it was done--just put back in oven long enough to melt cheese.

FOR EVERY CAN OF TOMATO SOUP YOU PUT IN THIS RECIPE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO PUT A CAN OF WATER IN! No wonder there is so many complaints of this being dry. Onions should be chopped so you get onions in every bite. My mom has made this since I was a little girl. It is delicious, when made correctly. You can put whatever seasoningss you prefer, pepper, Lawry's garlic salt. It is cheap, tasty, and easty to make! I layer this recipe then I stir it up once I get it in the pan. This is truly awesome!

This was SO yummy! Family raves about it. The only changes I made was to sprinkle cayenne pepper on the potatoes ,chop the onion for even distribution and added a layer of 4 chopped garlic cloves on top of the onion. Couldn’t believe I didn’t have condensed tomato soup handy, so I used a can of progressives tomato basil soup, (19 oz.) instead. I was afraid it would be too runny, but it wasn’t. ( baked it an extra 15 min.) I will use the same soup next time, because it added another layer of flavor! This was quick, hearty and VERY yummy served with a nice crusty bread!! DEFINITELY a keeper!!!

I’ve been making this recipe for years, passed down by my mother. Don’t drain the kidney beans, or use baked beans instead and this dish stays moist. Also, since my oven is electric, which tends to bake drier and hotter, I bake it at 350 covered for about an hour, then uncovered for another 15-30 minutes. As for seasonings, add any ones you like!

What an easy dinner. I did use a can of baked beans for extra flavor instead of plain kidney beans. I also baked in a bigger baking dish. Next time will add an additional potato. This is a very favorable dish!!

Sorry, looks gross. Kids turned up their noses. Didn't smell good, either. Shipwreck is a good name for it-wrecked perfectly good ingredients and ended up sunk in the garbage.

SHIPWRECK is perfect name. Not very good 😕

Made it today and it’s a hit!

THIS IS NOT SHIPWRECK CASSEROLE! IT'S AN OLD SOUTHERN FAVORITE CALLED LICK-DOB. :) Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of soup, and top the whole thing with slices of bacon. Season each layer. Cook it low and slow, and preferably the day before you plan to eat it. Serve with green salad and crusty rolls.

After reading other suggestions, I decided to switch the kidney beans for pork & beans. I also switched the tomato soup (not a fan) and used tomato paste. My family loves garlic, so I subbed garlic salt for regular salt... We also left the potatoes unpeeled, for flavor and better nutrients!

I used Chili Beans for added spices and flavor

My only deviation is I used baked beans and as others suggested, a half can of water. Came out soupy. Next time I will not use water and add more spices. Thanks for the recipe Grandma Flo.

What an easy dinner. I did use a can of baked beans for extra flavor instead of plain kidney beans. I also baked in a bigger baking dish. Next time will add an additional potato. This is a very favorable dish!!

to my taste, it needs garlic.