Description
This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a flavorful and hearty Southern-inspired dish combining tender mirlitons, succulent shrimp, and seasoned ground meat with aromatic vegetables and spices. Baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping, it makes a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Seafood
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium)
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 1 lb seasoned ground meat (beef or chicken)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread and Toppings
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter (for sautéing shrimp, quantity about 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare Mirlitons: Boil whole mirlitons in a large pot of water for 45 to 60 minutes until a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Remove from water and let cool. Once cooled, peel the tough skin, remove seeds and the tough core, then chop the mirliton flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Soak the shrimp briefly in water seasoned with 1 teaspoon of liquid crab boil to infuse flavor. Heat butter in a skillet, then sauté the shrimp until they turn just pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the seasoned ground meat thoroughly. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the meat and cook until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, meat and vegetable mixture, cubed French bread, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the casserole mixture evenly within. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a delicious crispy topping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot throughout. Remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken for beef to lighten the dish.
- Use stale or oven-dried French bread to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to your desired spice level.
- Peeling mirlitons can be easier when they are slightly warm, but be cautious of heat.
- The liquid crab boil seasoning adds a distinct Cajun flavor to the shrimp soak.
- If mirlitons are unavailable, chayote squash is a suitable substitute.
