Discover Your Family’s New Favorite: Weight Watchers Shipwreck Casserole

Hearty & Healthy Shipwreck Casserole: Your Ultimate Guide to a 5-Point WW Comfort Meal

Dive into the comforting and rich flavors of our Shipwreck Casserole, a traditional dish reimagined to be incredibly delicious and Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at just 5 WW points per serving! This layered casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of wholesome goodness, delivering the ultimate comfort food sensation without derailing your health goals. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a satisfying, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Its origins are often tied to resourcefulness, making use of whatever ingredients are “shipwrecked” in your pantry, transforming them into a delectable family favorite.

Shipwreck casserole is celebrated for its robust tomato-based profile and its clever ability to transform various ingredients into a harmonious, savory masterpiece. Traditionally, it’s a go-to recipe for utilizing leftovers, making it not only delicious but also incredibly practical and economical. While our recipe features a fantastic medley of classic vegetables, we wholeheartedly encourage you to unleash your culinary creativity. Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you have on hand, whether it’s vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, nutrient-packed spinach, earthy mushrooms, or even sweet corn. Each thoughtful addition only enhances the dish, adding extra layers of flavor, texture, and nutritional value, truly embracing the spirit of the “shipwreck” name by making the most of what you have.

Prepare to be delighted by the sheer heartiness of the rich tomato base, perfectly complementing the diverse textures brought together by each ingredient. From the succulent, perfectly seasoned lean ground beef to the tender, subtly sweet vegetables and the surprisingly fluffy cauliflower rice, every single bite offers a satisfying and profoundly wholesome experience. This casserole promises a depth of flavor that will leave you feeling full, content, and completely satisfied, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a fulfilling meal that is both healthy and incredibly tasty. It’s a testament to how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and effortlessly delicious.

A perfectly portioned plate of Shipwreck casserole, topped with fresh herbs, is artfully placed on a gray napkin. A serving spoon and the full casserole dish are blurred in the background, creating an inviting culinary scene.

Why You’ll Love This Easy & Healthy Shipwreck Casserole Recipe

  • Pantry-Friendly Perfection: A significant advantage of this Shipwreck Casserole recipe is its reliance on readily available pantry staples. Many of the ingredients, such as canned goods (tomatoes, condensed soup), dried seasonings, and even frozen vegetables (peas, cauliflower rice), have a remarkably long shelf life, making them incredibly easy to keep stocked in your kitchen. This means you can decide to whip up this delicious meal on a whim, knowing you likely have most of what you need without a last-minute grocery run. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when time is short, or for those moments when you crave a home-cooked meal without the added stress of extensive shopping, making meal planning a breeze and reducing food waste.
  • Cost-Effective & Budget-Friendly: In today’s economy, finding meals that are both delicious and economical is a huge win for any household. This shipwreck casserole truly shines in this regard. The core ingredients are generally inexpensive, and its inherent flexibility allows for smart substitutions based on what’s on sale or what you already have in your fridge or freezer. For instance, while lean ground beef provides a fantastic protein base, you can easily opt for a hearty vegetarian version by leaving it out or substituting it with other ground meats like chicken or turkey to manage costs. The majority of other vegetables and pantry items typically cost less than a dollar each, ensuring a satisfying and filling meal that won’t break the bank. It’s truly a testament to cooking smart and eating well without overspending.
  • Remarkably Adaptable & Versatile: The beauty and enduring appeal of a Shipwreck Casserole lie in its incredible adaptability. It’s truly the ultimate “clean out the fridge” meal, ingeniously designed to make the most of leftover vegetables that might otherwise go to waste. Don’t feel limited to the suggested ingredients; embrace whatever fresh, frozen, or canned veggies you have available. Beyond vegetables, this recipe is also fantastic for repurposing cooked meats. Imagine using leftover seasoned ground beef from taco night, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even seasoned ground turkey or pork. The layers of unique flavor combinations you can create by experimenting with different additions are endless, ensuring that no two casseroles are exactly alike, yet all are equally delicious, satisfying, and a sustainable way to enjoy your groceries.
  • Weight Watchers Friendly & Healthy: This recipe has been thoughtfully crafted to be a healthy and fulfilling option, clocking in at just 5 Weight Watchers points per serving. By incorporating lean ground beef, a generous array of vegetables, and a smart swap of cauliflower rice for traditional white rice, we’ve significantly reduced calories and carbohydrates while boosting fiber and nutrient content. This allows you to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that aligns with your wellness goals, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Shipwreck Casserole at a Glance: Key Details

Before you embark on crafting this delightful Shipwreck Casserole, here’s a quick overview of what to expect regarding preparation, cooking time, and nutritional information, particularly for those tracking Weight Watchers points. This summary will help you plan your cooking schedule and understand the nutritional benefits of each serving.

  • Serving Size: Each generous serving is approximately 272g (about 1 cup), ensuring a substantial and satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized without feeling deprived.
  • Number of Servings: This recipe is designed to yield 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or for preparing a few days’ worth of healthy and delicious meals in advance. It’s an excellent choice for meal prepping.
  • Time to Cook: From the initial prep to the final bake, you’ll need approximately 20 minutes for hands-on preparation and about 60-90 minutes for baking in the oven. This makes it an ideal candidate for weeknight cooking, requiring minimal active time once assembled, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it bakes.
  • WW Points Per Recipe: The entire batch of this Shipwreck Casserole totals 30 Weight Watchers Points. When divided into 6 equal servings, each portion comes out to a lean 5 points. This makes it an excellent, low-point choice for those managing their intake, proving that wholesome, comforting food can absolutely fit into a healthy lifestyle plan.
Various sized bowls are neatly arranged, each filled with the fresh, colorful ingredients required for the Shipwreck casserole recipe, showcasing the vibrant components before assembly.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Shipwreck Casserole

The magic of this Shipwreck Casserole lies in its thoughtful combination of simple yet intensely flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component plays a crucial role in creating this comforting and wholesome dish:

  • 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef: This lean ground beef forms the savory and satisfying foundation of our casserole. Choosing 90/10 ensures a hearty, rich flavor profile while keeping the fat content lower, aligning perfectly with Weight Watchers guidelines and making it a healthier protein choice. It provides essential protein and a robust texture that anchors the entire dish, ensuring every bite is fulfilling.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, divided: Salt is an absolutely vital seasoning for enhancing and balancing the flavors of all the ingredients, preventing the dish from tasting flat. We strategically divide the salt, using some to season the ground beef for initial flavor development and sprinkling the remainder in layers throughout the casserole. This method ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and vibrant, rather than bland or under-seasoned.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder is a powerful aromatic that infuses the ground beef and permeates through all the layers of the casserole, offering a warm, savory, and irresistible depth that is indispensable in many beloved comfort foods. It’s a convenient shortcut to rich garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves, making prep quicker and easier.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle, gentle heat and a pleasant aromatic quality that beautifully complements the other spices. It helps to give the dish a well-rounded and complete flavor profile, awakening the palate without being overpowering.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, divided: This versatile dry herb blend is a true game-changer in this recipe, bringing a vibrant, exciting, and distinctly Italian-inspired character to the casserole. Its aromatic mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary perfectly harmonizes with the rich tomato base, elevating the overall taste and adding a layer of sophisticated flavor.
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Onions are a foundational aromatic in countless dishes, and here they provide a sweet, pungent, and deeply savory depth that enhances all the other flavors in the Shipwreck Casserole. Dicing them allows them to soften and caramelize subtly during baking, melding seamlessly into the layers. White onions or even canned pearl onions (thoroughly drained) can be used for a slightly different texture and sweetness.
  • 1 sliced Yukon Gold potato: Thinly sliced potatoes are a classic and beloved element in traditional shipwreck casseroles, offering a tender, starchy component that readily soaks up all the delicious, savory flavors of the sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly preferred for their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor, but any starchy potato variety you have on hand will work wonderfully, including frozen diced potatoes for added convenience and reduced prep time.
  • 1 (14.5) ounce can diced tomatoes, drained: While not always a traditional component of every shipwreck casserole, the addition of diced tomatoes in this recipe significantly reinforces the vibrant, tangy tomato flavor and provides delightful, bite-sized chunks that add a satisfying texture and burst of fresh acidity to the casserole. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds: Carrots contribute a natural, earthy sweetness and a beautiful pop of vibrant orange color to the dish. Slicing them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds ensures they cook evenly alongside the potatoes and become perfectly tender, balancing the savory notes of the beef and tomato with their inherent mild sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery: Along with carrots and onions, celery forms the classic “mirepoix” flavor base, adding a subtle, refreshing crunch and a mild, earthy taste. It helps to lighten and balance the richer flavors of the dish and adds another layer of satisfying texture, making the casserole more complex and appealing to the palate.
  • 1/2 cup peas: Frozen peas are a quick and incredibly easy addition that brings a burst of vibrant green color, a lovely textural contrast with their tender-crisp pop, and a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the robust savory flavors of the casserole. They are best added to the layers without thawing, as they will cook thoroughly in the oven.
  • 3/4 cup frozen cauliflower rice: This is a brilliant, nutritious, and Weight Watchers friendly swap for traditional long-grain white rice often found in shipwreck casseroles. Cauliflower rice is significantly lower in carbs, high in fiber, and blends seamlessly into the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors while adding a wholesome, lighter element without sacrificing texture or satisfaction. It’s an excellent way to boost vegetable intake.
  • 1 (10.75) ounce can condensed tomato soup: The condensed tomato soup serves as the creamy, concentrated, and deeply flavorful tomato base for this casserole. It acts as the binding agent for all the diverse ingredients, providing a rich, tangy, and profoundly comforting flavor that is characteristic of classic American casserole dishes. It ensures a moist and cohesive final product.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Shipwreck Casserole

Follow these simple, clear steps to expertly assemble and bake a truly delicious and satisfying Shipwreck Casserole. Precision in layering and strategic seasoning will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and that the casserole cooks perfectly.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). In a large, sturdy skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to continuously break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Continue cooking until no pink remains, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked through and lightly caramelized for maximum flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole lighter and healthier. Then, generously sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the garlic powder, ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning over the cooked meat. Mix well to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with these aromatic spices, forming a flavorful foundation.
  2. Prepare your baking dish: Lightly spray a 9-inch round baking dish (or a similar-sized 8×8 or 9×13-inch square/rectangular dish) with cooking spray. This crucial step will help prevent sticking, ensure easy serving, and make for a much simpler cleanup. Carefully transfer the seasoned ground beef to the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it out into a uniform, even layer. This creates the robust and flavorful base upon which all subsequent layers will be built.
  3. A blue Dutch oven is shown with perfectly browned and seasoned ground beef, ready to be layered into the casserole dish.
  4. Next, meticulously arrange the thinly sliced potatoes directly on top of the ground beef layer. Create an even, shingled layer, overlapping the slices slightly as necessary to completely cover the entire surface. For an extra boost of flavor and to ensure the potatoes are well-seasoned from within, sprinkle a light pinch of sea salt evenly over them. This technique helps to draw out their natural flavors and ensures they don’t taste bland in the final, multi-layered dish.
  5. A clear pie plate is shown with a uniform layer of cooked ground beef forming the base, ready for the next layer of ingredients.
  6. Evenly pour the thoroughly drained can of diced tomatoes over the potato layer, spreading them gently across the surface with the back of a spoon. Immediately follow this by scattering the diced yellow onions evenly over the tomatoes. The moisture from the tomatoes will help the onions soften beautifully during baking, contributing their characteristic sweet and pungent notes throughout the entire casserole, adding depth to the flavor profile.
  7. A clear pie plate now holds a neat layer of thinly sliced potatoes overlapping the ground beef, creating the second vibrant layer of the casserole.
  8. Now, meticulously add the chopped celery and sliced carrots to the dish, distributing them evenly over the previous layers of tomatoes and onions. These vibrant vegetables not only add a delightful crunch and beautiful color but also contribute essential nutrients and a subtle, earthy sweetness that perfectly balances the rich tomato and savory beef flavors.
  9. A pie plate displays the vibrant layer of diced tomatoes and scattered onions, beautifully topping the potato slices in the growing casserole.
  10. Continue layering by adding the peas on top of the celery and carrots, spreading them out into an even, appealing layer. Then, gently scatter the frozen cauliflower rice over the peas, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Finally, spread the entire can of condensed tomato soup evenly and smoothly over the top of the cauliflower rice, ensuring it covers the entire surface to create a creamy, flavorful blanket that will seep into all the layers. To finish, sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning blend over the very top for a final aromatic flourish and a beautiful presentation.
  11. A pie plate showcases the addition of vibrant carrots and chopped celery, creating another colorful and textural layer on top of the tomatoes and onions.
  12. Carefully place the fully assembled casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-90 minutes, or until the sides are bubbling vigorously, the sauce is thickened and rich, and most importantly, the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender. If you notice the top beginning to brown too quickly before the potatoes are cooked through, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Once baked to golden perfection, remove from the oven and allow it to rest uncovered for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the casserole to set, making it much easier to scoop neat, well-defined servings and ensures all the delicious flavors fully meld together. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade, comforting masterpiece!
  13. A pie plate shows the fully assembled Shipwreck casserole, beautifully topped with a smooth, red layer of condensed tomato soup and a final sprinkle of seasoning, ready for baking.
    A generous plate of Shipwreck casserole, freshly baked and steaming, is presented on a textured gray napkin, with a serving spoon and the full casserole dish visible in the soft-focus background.

Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Shipwreck Casserole

One of the best and most celebrated features of Shipwreck Casserole is its incredible flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these creative variations and smart substitutions to tailor the recipe perfectly to your taste, dietary needs, or simply to make the most of what you have available in your pantry and fridge. Each modification can bring a delightful new twist to this classic comfort food.

  • Protein Power Swaps: While lean ground beef is a traditional and delicious choice, this versatile casserole is equally delectable with other ground proteins. Feel free to use ground chicken or ground turkey for a leaner alternative that still provides excellent flavor and texture. If you have leftover shredded cooked chicken (perhaps from a rotisserie chicken or previous meal prep) or even diced cooked pork, these can also be expertly layered into the casserole, adding different flavor dimensions and making it an ideal leftover repurposer. Just ensure any pre-cooked meat is properly seasoned before adding it to maintain the casserole’s robust taste.
  • Maximize Your Veggies: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for incorporating a wide array of vegetables. Whether they’re canned, frozen, or fresh, almost any vegetable can find a delicious home here. Consider adding vibrant sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) for a sweet crunch and color, diced zucchini or yellow squash for extra moisture and nutrients, or even a handful of fresh spinach or kale (stirred in during the last 20 minutes of baking) for a significant nutritional boost. For heartier root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips, consider slicing them thinly or pre-roasting them slightly beforehand to ensure they become tender within the baking time. Just remember to thoroughly drain any canned vegetables to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Chicken-Centric Casserole: For a distinctly different, yet equally comforting, flavor profile, transform this into a chicken-based dish. Instead of ground beef, use diced or shredded cooked chicken. You can keep the rich tomato soup base for a robust flavor, or for a creamier and milder alternative, swap it for a low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, possibly thinned with a little milk or chicken broth. This variation results in a lighter-tasting, equally satisfying meal, which is particularly appealing to those who prefer poultry.
  • Slow Cooker Simplicity: Convert this oven-baked classic into an incredibly convenient slow cooker meal for those busy days. After browning and seasoning the meat as instructed in step 1, simply add it to your slow cooker along with all the remaining ingredients. You can layer them as you would in the oven for a visually appealing presentation, or for a more even distribution of flavors, gently stir everything together. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and all the delicious flavors have beautifully melded. This hands-off method is perfect for ensuring a hot, homemade meal is waiting for you at the end of a long day.
  • Add a Cheesy Topping: For an extra layer of irresistible indulgence and savory flavor, consider sprinkling about ½ to 1 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses over the top of the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will create a wonderfully golden, bubbly, and utterly delicious cheesy crust that perfectly complements the rich flavors beneath.
  • Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat and a more complex flavor profile, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your Italian seasoning. A dash of Worcestershire sauce (about 1-2 teaspoons) can also deepen the umami and savory notes of the ground beef, adding a layer of richness to the entire dish.

Expert Tips & Tricks for a Flawless Shipwreck Casserole

Achieving the perfect Shipwreck Casserole, bursting with flavor and possessing ideal textures, is easy with these helpful tips designed to enhance every aspect of your cooking process, from preparation to the final delicious bite.

  • Slice Vegetables Evenly: Uniformity is absolutely key when slicing harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Aim for slices that are roughly 1/4-inch thick to ensure they cook at the same rate and become perfectly fork-tender simultaneously. Inconsistent slices can lead to some vegetables being undercooked while others are mushy. Using a mandolin slicer can be an incredibly helpful tool for achieving consistent slices quickly and safely, taking the guesswork out of sizing and significantly speeding up your prep time while ensuring an even cook.
  • Pre-Cook and Season the Meat Thoroughly: Always brown your ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) before adding it to the casserole dish. This crucial step not only adds a rich, caramelized, and deeply savory flavor through the Maillard reaction that significantly enhances the entire dish, but it also ensures that the meat is thoroughly cooked. Additionally, it allows you to drain any excess fat, making the casserole lighter and healthier. Seasoning the meat generously at this initial stage ensures that the base layer is packed with flavor from the very start, which then subtly permeates and enhances the other layers as the casserole bakes.
  • Season in Layers for Depth: Hearty vegetables, especially potatoes and carrots, inherently require ample seasoning to truly shine and not taste bland. Instead of just seasoning the meat, make it a practice to add a light pinch of sea salt and perhaps a tiny bit of pepper or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning as you add each subsequent layer of vegetables. This layering technique builds flavor throughout the casserole, ensuring that every single forkful is perfectly balanced, deliciously seasoned, and vibrant, rather than just the top or bottom being flavorful. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the final taste.
  • Allow for Resting Time After Baking: Patience is a virtue, especially with casseroles! After taking your Shipwreck Casserole out of the oven, resist the immediate urge to dig in. Allow it to rest uncovered on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. During this crucial resting period, the ingredients continue to gently cook, and more importantly, the starches in the potatoes and cauliflower rice will help the entire casserole to set and firm up. This makes it much easier to scoop neat, well-defined servings without it falling apart, and allows all the delicious flavors to fully meld together for an even more harmonious taste.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While it’s tempting to pack in as many delicious ingredients as possible, ensure your chosen baking dish isn’t overly full. Leaving a little room (about an inch) at the top prevents the casserole from bubbling over in the oven and creating a mess. More importantly, it allows for proper air circulation and even heat distribution, ensuring all layers cook through perfectly and uniformly.
  • Check for Potato Tenderness: The potatoes are usually the densest and slowest ingredient to fully cook through. To accurately test for doneness, carefully insert a thin-bladed knife or a fork into a potato slice located in the center of the casserole. If it slides in easily and without resistance, your casserole is perfectly ready. If there’s still resistance, continue baking for a bit longer.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole makes absolutely excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it a perfect, convenient option for healthy lunches or quick, satisfying dinners throughout the busy week.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips for Convenience

Preparing this Shipwreck Casserole in advance or knowing how to properly store and reheat it can save you precious time during busy weeknights and ensure you always have a delicious, healthy meal on hand whenever hunger strikes.

  • Make Ahead: You can conveniently assemble the entire casserole up to one full day in advance. Prepare all layers as instructed in the recipe, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to create a double seal. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, remove it from the fridge approximately 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which promotes more even baking. Then, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
  • Storage: Once your delicious casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, cover any leftover portions tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or, ideally, transfer individual portions into airtight food storage containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days, making it excellent for meal prepping.
  • Freezing Instructions: For longer-term storage, this Shipwreck Casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic freezer-friendly meal. You can freeze the entire baked casserole (once it has thoroughly cooled) directly in its baking dish (if it is freezer-safe and covered tightly with foil), or divide it into individual portions in sturdy, freezer-safe containers. For best results, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality or flavor.
  • Reheating: To reheat individual portions, simply place them in the microwave and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and steaming. For a larger portion or the entire casserole, reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through to the center. Covering it loosely with aluminum foil during reheating will help prevent the top from drying out and ensure moisture retention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shipwreck Casserole

Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying this comforting Shipwreck Casserole, providing further clarity and tips for your culinary adventure.

  • Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
    A: Absolutely! To easily transform this into a vegetarian casserole, simply omit the ground beef entirely. You can replace it with a plant-based ground meat substitute for a similar texture, or add extra hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms, cooked lentils, or a can of thoroughly drained black beans for added protein and satisfying substance. Remember to adjust the seasoning as needed to taste, ensuring a flavorful vegetarian meal.
  • Q: What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes available?
    A: No problem at all! Any starchy potato variety will work well as a substitute for Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes, red potatoes, or even thinly sliced sweet potatoes (for a slightly different, sweeter flavor profile and added nutrients) can be used. The key is to ensure they are all sliced evenly and thinly (about 1/4-inch thick) for consistent cooking. Frozen diced potatoes are also a fantastic time-saver if you’re in a pinch.
  • Q: Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
    A: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it’s written! There are no dairy products in the core list of ingredients, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies. If you choose to add cheese for a topping (as a variation), simply look for a good quality dairy-free shredded cheese alternative that melts well to maintain the dairy-free status.
  • Q: Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen cauliflower rice?
    A: Yes, you certainly can use fresh cauliflower. If opting for fresh, you’ll need to finely chop or “rice” it yourself using a food processor or by hand. The cooking time might vary slightly as fresh cauliflower tends to be a bit firmer than frozen, so ensure it’s in small, uniform pieces to blend well with the other ingredients and cook thoroughly.
  • Q: How can I reduce the sodium content in this casserole?
    A: To effectively reduce the sodium content, make a few conscious choices. Opt for low-sodium condensed tomato soup and choose “no salt added” diced tomatoes. You can also significantly reduce the amount of added sea salt in the recipe, tasting as you go and adding more at the table if desired once the casserole is cooked. Many spices, like garlic powder and Italian seasoning, add flavor without extra sodium.
  • Q: Can I add different herbs or spices?
    A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth, a bay leaf can be simmered with the sauce (and removed before baking), or a touch of dried oregano can enhance the Italian flavors. Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled over the top after baking can also add a fresh, aromatic finish.

Discover More Comforting & Weight Watchers Friendly Casserole Recipes

If you loved the wholesome comfort and versatility of this Shipwreck Casserole, then you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious and Weight Watchers friendly casserole creations that are sure to become new family favorites in your culinary repertoire!

  • Weight Watchers French Onion Chicken Casserole
  • Yes, You Can Eat Doritos Casserole On Weight Watchers
  • Weight Watcher Friendly Pineapple Casserole

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Shipwreck Casserole

Servings: 6
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour

Plate filled with a portion of shipwreck casserole. To the side is a serving spoon with the casserole dish featured behind

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, divided
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 Yukon Gold Potato, thinly sliced
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes , drained
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 3/4 cup frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1 10.75-ounce can condensed tomato soup
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into crumbles and continue cooking until no pink remains. Then, Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning on top of the meat and mix to combine.
  • Spray a 9″ round baking dish with cooking spray. Place the ground beef onto the bottom of the pan as the first layer.
  • Top the ground beef with the sliced potatoes in an even layer, overlapping slightly as needed. Sprinkle a light layer of salt on top of the potatoes.
  • Pour the can of diced tomatoes on top of the casserole in an even layer and top with the onions.
  • Add the celery and carrots to the dish.
  • Add the peas on top of the celery in an even layer. Top the peas with the cauliflower rice and spread the condensed soup on top. Sprikle with the remaining Italian seasoning.
  • Place the casserole into the oven and bake for 60-90 minutes until the sides are bubbling and the potatoes are fork-ender. Cover with foil if the casserole begins to brown too much at the edges. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 272gCalories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 18gFat: 8.2gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 893mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 6.2gCalcium: 64mgIron: 2.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: dinner
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