They say Shipwreck Supper got its name from its looks – like a ship wreck! But as we all know, looks can be deceiving. Especially with this easy, cheesy example. The ingredient list reads like the 10 Com-mandments. Except ‘Thou Shalt Not’ is ‘Thou Shalt’!
Doesn’t look so wrecked to me… In fact, given what’s under the cheese
topping, I’d love to just pick up a spoon and dig right in!
My first reaction on seeing this dish was, “I’ll bet there’s not a single healthy ingredient in it…” Not so! But it has that sinful ring to it. Probably because it’s based on boxed instant Mac & Cheese mix…
Common and garden
The ingredients list reads like a litany of processed foods: Until you look closer…
-
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (14.5 ounce / 415 ml) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup / 250 ml milk
- 1 cup / 250 ml frozen peas
- 1 cup / 250 ml frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
- 1 cup / 250 ml shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
It initially looks like the Devil’s Own Dinner, nutritionally, with all the canned, boxed and frozen stuff. But remember: Canned and frozen veggies are picked at their peak of ripeness and wholesomeness. And frozen produce is likewise harvested at its prime and flash frozen to keep all the good stuff in.
In reality, only the Mac and Cheese mix is processed. And without it, the dish wouldn’t have any actual sinful content!
That ‘Cuppa-Cuppa-Cuppa thing’…
I’m reminded of that ‘cuppa-cuppa-cuppa thing’ cake recipe from Steel Magnolias… The hairdresser lady, Truvy (played by Dolly Parton!), says: “It’s just a ‘cuppa’ flour, a ‘cuppa’ sugar, and a ‘cuppa’ fruit cocktail (with the juice!).”
And it’s so simple, “You don’t even need to write it down!”
So is today’s featured recipe.
What you do
Just scramble the ground beef, drain off the excess fat, and stir in the dry pasta and the cheese sauce mixture from the familiar blue and yellow box. Then stir in tomatoes, milk, peas, and corn.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until noodles are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Add half the cheese and stir gently until it’s completely integrated with the other ingredients. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
Tips and hacks…
Right off the top, I have to say that I’d add more cheese on top than the ‘recipe’ calls for. And stick the casserole dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese gets bubbly.
As befits the concept of a shipwreck, I’d also consider this a great dish to use up any leftovers you have that would complement the basic picture.
As with the fruit cocktail in the ‘cuppa’ cake, DO be sure to use the liquid that comes with the canned tomatoes. It’s essential for the success of the sauce!
And of course, if you want to make it spicy – go right ahead!
My take
This basic Shipwreck Supper dump dinner could be the start of many great meals… depending on what you have on hand, and what strikes your fancy…
~ Maggie J.