Imagine your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of savory shrimp, tender rice, and bubbling melted cheese — that’s the magic of this Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe! This one-dish wonder is pure comfort food with a subtly coastal vibe, perfect for casual weeknights or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering. Each bite is packed with vibrant color, rich flavor, and the juicy pop of perfectly cooked shrimp, all coming together in a fuss-free recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen each ingredient is. Every component adds its unique flavor, texture, or a splash of color, making the whole dish far more delicious than the sum of its parts.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, bringing sweetness and a tender bite to the casserole.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Fluffy, individual grains soak up all the savory flavors without turning mushy.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Adds a savory depth to the rice and ties the whole casserole together.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish a lush, comforting finish and complements the shrimp.
- Onion (1 small, diced): A classic base that provides subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Bell pepper (1, diced, any color): Adds vibrant color and a gentle crunch; red, yellow, or orange look especially gorgeous!
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Just a touch brings out savory notes and depth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a warm, earthy flavor and lovely color; smoked paprika works well too for a hint of smokiness.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds herbal notes that balance the rich seafood flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens all the flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mild heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey deliciousness, creating a creamy topping.
- Fresh parsley or green onions (1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish): Finishes the dish with a pop of freshness and color.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens up every bite, balancing the richness.
How to Make Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the casserole is ready to bake. While the oven warms, gather and prep all your ingredients. Peeling and deveining the shrimp beforehand makes this process extra smooth, and dicing the onion and bell pepper gets that pop of color and flavor ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish set over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. As soon as the butter melts and begins to foam, toss in the onion and bell pepper. Sauté these veggies, stirring occasionally, for about 4–5 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly softened — this base creates the backbone of the casserole’s flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for one more minute until your kitchen smells amazing and the spices have bloomed. This little step infuses every grain of rice with layers of warmth and depth.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Pour the uncooked rice into the skillet and stir to fully coat each grain in those beautifully seasoned veggies and fat. Next, pour in the chicken broth and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. This step sets the stage for perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice and even cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Cover the skillet tightly with foil (or a snug-fitting lid) and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the casserole bake for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and absorb all the savory broth and seasonings — don’t peek just yet!
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Give the rice a gentle stir, then arrange the shrimp evenly across the top. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese over the shrimp. Now return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10–12 more minutes until the shrimp are pink and juicy and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, finish the Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a little zip of citrus.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or green onions are a must to elevate the look and freshness of your Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe. For something special, try a few thin slices of red chili for a burst of color or a light dusting of smoked paprika on top. And never forget those lemon wedges — a squeeze brings every flavor to life!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus for a little crunch. You could also serve it with crusty bread for mopping up all those delicious juices, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress, you can spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking in the oven. Another fun spin is to garnish each portion with a little swirl of garlic aioli or a drizzle of chili oil right before serving. It’s also lovely served family style straight from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves to generous scoops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe holds up surprisingly well. Just allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making sure to keep the shrimp from overcooking during reheating.
Freezing
While shrimp and rice casseroles can be frozen, the texture of both the shrimp and the rice will change slightly. For best results, freeze only the casserole base (without shrimp), tightly wrapped, for up to a month. Add fresh shrimp and cheese on top before reheating and finishing in the oven for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and place in a 325°F oven until warmed through — about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if the rice seems dry. Alternatively, microwave portions gently on medium power to keep the shrimp tender, taking care not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in this Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the baking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 15–20 minutes when cooking the rice before adding the shrimp, and check for doneness before continuing.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just thaw and pat them dry before arranging on top of the rice. This ensures they cook evenly and avoids any extra moisture affecting the casserole’s texture.
Do I have to use Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese?
You can be flexible with cheese. Try cheddar for more bite, or skip the cheese entirely if you want to keep things lighter. Monterey Jack and mozzarella are my favorites for their creamy, melt-in appeal without overpowering the shrimp.
Is this Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally free from gluten. Just double check packaging if that’s a concern for you or your guests.
What other vegetables can I add?
This casserole is very flexible. Try adding frozen peas, chopped spinach, or even finely diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra color and nutrition. Think of it as your canvas!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels a little special without requiring complicated steps, this Baked Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe might just become your new weeknight hero. Trust me, once you taste the harmonious blend of shrimp, rice, and melty cheese, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know — and I hope you do!
