Shipwreck casserole layers ground beef, potatoes, beans, and tomatoes for a no-fuss, one-dish family dinner. This protein-packed, budget-friendly Midwestern classic requires almost zero prep work.
Preheat oven to 350°F for consistent, gentle baking.
Spread raw ground beef evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish; no browning required.
Layer sliced russet potatoes, chopped onions, and chopped celery directly over the beef in sequence for even cooking.
Add drained canned beans, then pour canned diced tomatoes with juices across the top; this helps create moisture for stewing.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme, then cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes; remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more to concentrate flavors and soften the top layer.