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
Scale
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.
