Shrimp Casserole Recipe
If comforting, crowd-pleasing meals are your jam, get ready to fall in love with this Shrimp Casserole. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp mingling with tender rice, tangy sour cream, and gooey cheddar cheese, all nestled beneath a buttery, golden breadcrumb topping. This casserole isn’t just a throw-together weeknight solution—it’s a celebration-worthy centerpiece you’ll want to share with family and friends. Whether you’re chasing nostalgic family flavors or simply hunting for your new favorite dinner, this Shrimp Casserole is ready to win hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this spectacular casserole plays a starring role, offering not just flavor, but color, texture, and that mouthwatering aroma you can’t resist. Most items are pantry staples, and each brings something special to the party—from succulent shrimp to the fragrant sautéed veggies.
- Shrimp: Pick fresh or thawed raw shrimp for the sweetest flavor; peel and devein for a clean bite.
- Cooked white rice: The base that soaks up all that savory sauce, making every forkful hearty and satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creamy, melty richness and a sharp tang—mild or sharp cheddar both work beautifully.
- Sour cream: For a creamy, slightly tangy layer that binds everything together (Greek yogurt works as a good sub!).
- Mayonnaise: Brings extra depth and that signature creamy casserole texture.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and structure to the veggie base.
- Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a pop of color in every bite.
- Celery: Lends subtle crunch and an herby note, brightening up the dish.
- Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, it infuses the whole casserole with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Old Bay seasoning: The secret to that classic seafood flavor—just a teaspoon gives so much character.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that balances out the creamy elements.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together (taste before adding more).
- Breadcrumbs: The crunchy topping you’ll be fighting over—don’t skip this!
- Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness to every veggie and crumb.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Veggies
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for all those flavors to meld together. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and toss in the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Let them soften gently for about five minutes—the aroma alone tells you you’re on the right track! Sautéing brings sweetness and depth to every bite of this Shrimp Casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp straight into the skillet with the softened veggies. Stir everything around for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink. Be careful not to overcook—they’ll finish cooking as the casserole bakes. This step is essential: tender, juicy shrimp are the stars, after all.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked white rice, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well—this luscious sauce will coat and bind everything together, creating that memorable creamy texture intrinsic to Shrimp Casserole. Now, fold in the shrimp and sautéed veggies.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Get out your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Scoop in the shrimp, rice, and veggie mixture, spreading it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for that irresistible crunch, ensuring every bite has a golden, toasty finish.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden and you see bubbles at the edges. The wait is tough, but let the finished casserole stand for five minutes before serving. This little rest allows the flavors to settle and makes serving that first slice dreamy (and not too runny!).
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the finished Shrimp Casserole for a bright, herbaceous lift. A fresh squeeze of lemon just before eating wakes up the seafood flavors in the most delightful way.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Casserole is a main event: pair it with a light, crisp salad, roasted asparagus, or simple steamed green beans to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette works wonders mopping up every bit of creamy, cheesy goodness left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines not just in a family-style casserole, but also spooned into individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties. You can even serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomato cups for a colorful, fun twist that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftover Shrimp Casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, and tomorrow’s lunch will be just as tasty!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After baking and cooling, wrap the dish thoroughly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or thawed portions in the oven at 325°F, covered, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk and cover to keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re using cooked shrimp, simply add them after sautéing the veggies—no need to cook them further. This can speed up your prep and still yield a fantastic Shrimp Casserole.
What can I use in place of sour cream?
Greek yogurt works beautifully, bringing the same creamy tang without sacrificing flavor or texture. You can even try a mix of Greek yogurt and a little extra mayo for richness.
Is it possible to make Shrimp Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping, and make sure your mayo and seasoning are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally friendly for gluten-free eaters.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Stir in baby spinach, chopped mushrooms, or even some diced tomatoes before baking. This not only adds color but a delightful range of extra tastes and textures.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Use cooked rice that’s had a chance to cool and dry slightly if possible, and be sure to drain any excess moisture from the shrimp and veggies before mixing. This keeps your Shrimp Casserole rich and creamy rather than loose or soupy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about gathering around a bubbling Shrimp Casserole fresh from the oven—it’s cozy, a little indulgent, and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, this will become a keeper in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and watch everyone dive in for seconds!
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a delicious and creamy seafood dish that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Loaded with flavorful shrimp, rice, and cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink.
- Mix ingredients: Combine rice, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, seasonings, shrimp, and vegetables in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Try adding cayenne for heat or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Cooked shrimp can be used for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
