Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining succulent shrimp, cooked rice, and a blend of cheeses and spices, all baked to golden perfection. Featuring a medley of sautéed vegetables and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, this casserole makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
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
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
Seasonings and Others
- 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
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large 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. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Shrimp and Vegetables: Stir the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables into the rice and cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crunchy texture once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish 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 the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Using cooked rice ahead of time helps ensure the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but recommended for added texture on top.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
