Shipwreck Dinner

Shipwreck Dinner is a hearty, one-pan comfort meal that feels like a cozy mashup of mac and cheese, casserole, and skillet pasta. Ground beef, boxed macaroni and cheese, veggies, and tomatoes all simmer together to make a cheesy, saucy dish that’s super filling. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple pantry and freezer staples, and comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. Kids usually love it because it’s basically upgraded mac and cheese with extra goodies. This is the kind of meal you can throw together when the fridge looks “empty” but you still need to feed a hungry crew.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese, unprepared (noodles + cheese packet)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Sauté the ground beef in a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned, then drain the excess fat.
2. Add the powdered cheese mix and dry noodles from the Kraft mac and cheese box to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine well.
3. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), milk, frozen corn, frozen peas, and salt to taste.
4. Stir everything together, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Once the pasta is cooked and the mixture is thickened, taste and adjust salt if needed.
6. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, cover for a minute or two to let it melt, then serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4

Tips

For extra creaminess and flavor, use whole milk and a sharp cheddar cheese, and make sure you simmer gently so the noodles cook through without the sauce getting too dry—if it thickens too much, add a splash of milk.

Leftovers thicken as they sit, so stir in a little milk or water when reheating; store cooled Shipwreck Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.

FAQ

Can I use a different brand of macaroni and cheese?
Yes, any boxed macaroni and cheese with powdered cheese mix will work; just use the noodles and the cheese packet as in the recipe.

Do the frozen vegetables need to be thawed first?
No, you can add them straight from the freezer since they’ll cook while the pasta simmers.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely—ground turkey or chicken both work well; just season a little more generously with salt.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use a standard can of diced tomatoes; flavored varieties like fire-roasted or those with green chilies can add extra flavor if you like.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving, but it’s best fresh since the pasta continues to soak up the sauce over time.