Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines tender shrimp with cooked rice, a blend of cheeses, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping. The recipe is seasoned with classic herbs and Old Bay seasoning to give it a delightful seafood flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Dairy
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
Staples and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 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
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your 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 the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat to stop further cooking.
- Mix Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables into the rice and cheese mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined shrimp and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs if you desire a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Using cooked rice is recommended to prevent mushiness in the casserole.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab or scallops if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during sautéing to keep them tender.
