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September 19, 2025

Boatwreck Casserole

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Boatwreck Casserole–an Instant Pot ground beef and macaroni dish that is cheesy and comes together fast with pantry staples and frozen veggies.

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Boatwreck Casserole

Boatwreck Casserole

I loved this recipe because it was just so easy and I already had everything in my pantry and freezer to make it. It’s a perfect busy night dinner! The cheesy pasta with the beef makes it comforting and filling, and the veggies mixed in make it feel like a complete meal. I’ve adapted this recipe from All Recipes and the name boatwreck casserole is a spin-off on shipwreck casserole. These types of recipes are named as such because they are messy looking, like a shipwreck washed up on shore. It may not look beautiful but it’s a tasty meal. You can mix and match the veggies you like, or even try a different cheese like pepper jack for spice or gouda for smoky flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients/Substitution Ideas

  • Lean ground beef–or ground turkey
  • Seasoned salt
  • Black pepper
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Beef broth–or chicken broth, better than bouillon and water
  • Elbow macaroni–or penne
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Evaporated milk–or half and half, cream, milk
  • Cheddar cheese–I like using sharp grated off the block
  • Frozen mixed vegetables-I used a package that had peas, carrots, green beans in it

Steps

(To see me make this recipe watch my YOUTUBE video!)

To make this dish, you’ll start by sautéing the beef in the Instant Pot until browned, then drain off any grease and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pot, then turn it off before sprinkling in the macaroni and topping with crushed tomatoes. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, allowing a 5-minute natural release before venting. While that cooks, prepare the vegetables according to the package directions. Once the pasta is done, stir in the milk, cheese, and cooked vegetables until creamy and combined, then serve hot.

Instant Pot Cheesy Mac with Beef and Veggies

Notes/Tips

  • This is a full meal in one, but you can serve it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or some sliced fruit on the side.
  • Can you skip the veggies? Sure, or swap in your favorites like peas, corn, or fresh spinach.
  • You can use another type of pasta like penne, rotini, cavatappi, etc.
  • I used my 3 quart Instant Pot* and halved the recipe.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container* in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Other recipes you can make with frozen mixed vegetables are Instant Pot 3-Item Beef Stew and Instant Pot Easy Chicken Pot Pie.
Did you know you can filter the recipes on my website to search by meat type, IP or Crockpot, low carb, gluten free, etc.? Use the filter to find exactly what you are looking for. 

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Instant Pot Cheesy Mac with Beef and Veggies
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Boatwreck Casserole


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4 from 1 review

  • Author: 365 Days of Slow and Pressure Cooking
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus 5 minute NPR)
  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
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Description

An Instant Pot ground beef and macaroni dish that is cheesy and comes together fast with pantry staples and frozen veggies.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Dash of smoked paprika
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 8 oz shredded cheese
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté setting. When display says HOT add in the beef and break it up. Brown for 5 minutes. Drain off excess grease. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
  2. Pour in the broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking. Turn off Instant Pot. 
  3. Sprinkle in the macaroni. Dump in the crushed tomatoes.
  4. Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set manual/pressure cook button to 4 minutes. When time is up let pot sit for 5 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid.
  5. Cook the vegetables according to package directions (I did this in the microwave).
  6. Stir in the milk, cheese and vegetables.
  7. Serve and enjoy!
  • Category: Beef
  • Method: Instant Pot

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Instant Pot Cheesy Mac with Beef and Veggies

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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

4 Comments Filed Under: All Recipes, Beef, Instant Pot, Pasta

Comments

  1. Liz says

    September 27, 2025 at 3:37 pm

    I made this with mild cheddar cheese as my husband doesn’t care for sharp cheddar. It was a little on the bland side so I would recommend a strong flavored cheese.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 8, 2025 at 2:49 pm

      good to know! Thanks Liz.

      Reply
  2. Peggy R says

    September 21, 2025 at 9:14 am

    Could this be done with frozen ground beef?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24, 2025 at 6:19 pm

      I would thaw it and brown it first. I don’t think it would be great if you just threw in raw ground beef.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Karen. I know that dinner time can be less than relaxing. Busy schedules and cranky kids and a hundred other things can lead to weariness when it comes to putting dinner on the table. I can help! I make homemade, family-friendly slow cooker and Instant Pot dinners and share the recipes with you.

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