Shipwreck Dinner is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together ground beef, tender beans, and a rich, savory tomato sauce in a single pan. This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and just one skillet to create a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The combination of hearty protein, soft beans, and a mild sweetness from the sauce makes it a family favorite, perfect for all ages.

Not only is Shipwreck Dinner delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with extra vegetables, spice it up with seasonings, or even serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dish or an easy way to bring everyone together at the dinner table, this one-pan wonder will not disappoint!

Ingredients for Shipwreck Dinner

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well to coat the beef with the seasonings. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix until everything is well combined. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Peas

Gently fold in the drained white beans and frozen peas. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the peas are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as is or over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Shipwreck Dinner stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Shipwreck Dinner freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg

(Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Shipwreck Dinner in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

What can I serve with Shipwreck Dinner?

It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. A side salad or roasted vegetables also make a great addition.

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?

Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking. Frozen peas stay firmer and fresher in texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. You can also use spicy tomato sauce.

Can I swap out the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.

What other beans can I use?

You can substitute kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you check your Worcestershire sauce and canned ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.

Shipwreck Dinner: A Hearty One-Pan Classic

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Shipwreck Dinner is a hearty, one-pan meal that combines ground beef, tender beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce for a comforting dish the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Whether served on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread, it’s a satisfying and budget-friendly meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Cook the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Season and Simmer: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well, then pour in the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the Beans and Peas: Gently fold in the drained white beans and frozen peas. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot as is or over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course