If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels just like a warm hug, this Shrimp Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender shrimp, a cheesy, creamy base, and a wonderful blend of herbs and spices, it strikes the perfect balance between rich and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprising friends, this casserole will quickly become a standout favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a key role. From the juicy shrimp to the melty cheeses and those fresh veggies, each element combines to create irresistible flavors and textures.
- Shrimp (1 lb): Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp provide tender seafood flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Cooked rice (2 cups): Acts as a hearty base, soaking up all the creamy goodness while keeping the dish filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and melty richness to every spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a nutty depth and golden crust when baked.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the heaviness of the cream while ensuring a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings indulgent creaminess, making the sauce luxuriously thick.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives a slight tang that brightens flavors beautifully.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and aroma after sautéing.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Gives a fragrant kick essential for savory dishes like this.
- Diced bell pepper (1/2 cup): Adds color and a mild, fresh crunch.
- Diced celery (1/2 cup): Contributes subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For sautéing veggies and greasing the baking dish, ensuring nothing sticks.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic seafood spice blend that enhances shrimp perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and rounds out all the flavors.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon) and dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy herbal notes that make the casserole truly homey.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For a crunchy topping that contrasts with creamy texture below.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): A fresh garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when you finish prepping. Grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help create a golden crust during baking.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation, inviting your kitchen to fill with a delicious aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet with your sautéed veggies and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink. Be careful not to overcook here because the shrimp will cook a little more in the oven. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, and all the seasonings: Old Bay, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. This combination creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat every bite.
Step 5: Mix Shrimp and Veggies into the Base
Stir in the cooked shrimp and vegetables from the skillet into the creamy mixture. The colors and textures start coming together, promising something really tasty ahead.
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Pour the entire shrimp and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you want that satisfying crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top—this step is totally optional but highly recommended!
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your casserole in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown. This creates a delightful contrast between creamy filling and crisp topping.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh punch of color and flavor. Now your Shrimp Casserole Recipe is ready to impress.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped parsley, consider a light squeeze of lemon juice or a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs like dill or chives. These will add a bright freshness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or even a crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. These sides keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
You could serve the Shrimp Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, or layer it with fresh spinach for a vibrant green contrast. Even topping it with sliced avocado or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt can add fun twists to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic second-day meal without losing its charm or flavor.
Freezing
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe freezes well. Just cool completely, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe dish. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps preserve that crispy topping and creamy filling texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a topping to keep it safe without compromising on the crunch.
Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
Definitely, try cooked quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb version. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor but still work beautifully.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No worries! Use a combination of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic that classic seafood spice blend.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is mild and savory, with a hint of warmth from the paprika and Old Bay seasonings. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more cayenne or chili flakes if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Shrimp Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Shrimp Casserole combines succulent shrimp, creamy cheeses, and tender vegetables baked together with rice for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe features a creamy, seasoned filling topped with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping, delivering a rich and satisfying seafood dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, indicating they are cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful base.
- Add Shrimp and Vegetables: Fold the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables gently into the rice mixture until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs as the topping.
- You can substitute milk and cream with lighter dairy or dairy-free alternatives if preferred.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked during sautéing to keep them tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
