If you’re after a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a big, warm hug, look no further than this Shrimp Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with tender shrimp, every forkful brings together hearty rice, just the right touch of spice, and the bright crunch of veggies. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, Shrimp Casserole is the kind of dish that promises both comfort and excitement—plus, it’s delightfully simple to put together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how these everyday, honest ingredients come together for something truly memorable. Each one brings its own charm, playing a special role in flavor, texture, or color. Here’s everything you’ll need for your Shrimp Casserole adventure:
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): The star protein—chop them for juicy bursts in every bite and let their sweet brininess shine through.
- Cooked rice (2 cups): This is our hearty base, soaking up all the creamy sauce and flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): It’s just enough to sauté the aromatics and bring out their sweetness.
- Small onion (diced): Adds mild, savory notes that set the foundation for the casserole.
- Small green bell pepper (diced): Brings vibrancy and a pop of subtle bitterness to balance the richness.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For depth and irresistible fragrance that makes the whole casserole sing.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): The key to a luscious, creamy sauce that brings everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and silkiness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): For gooey, melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of warmth, gentle color, and subtle smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and amplifies all the savory notes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild, earthy spice.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those craving a touch of heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden crust.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Brings freshness and a beautiful green finish.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Shrimp
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—a quick swirl is all you need. Drop in your diced onion and bell pepper, letting them soften and become fragrant for about 4 to 5 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing! Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. At this point, stir in your chopped shrimp; cook just until they turn that telltale pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t completely cooked—they’ll finish perfectly in the oven. Set this mixture aside for the grand assembly.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Give everything a good stir—this is where the magic starts to happen! The blend should be thick, creamy, and flecked with colorful bits. Now, gently fold in your shrimp and veggie mixture, making sure every grain of rice is coated and every shrimp is tucked in snugly.
Step 3: Layer and Top
Spoon your Shrimp Casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The creamy blend promises a bubbling, golden top, but we’re not done yet! Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese across the surface—this will create the most irresistible nutty, crispy crust while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and a gloriously golden top that begs you to dig in. As soon as it’s hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and shower with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
Garnishes
For the best impression, sprinkle the hot casserole with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley—or try chives if you have them! The herbs add a burst of color and a touch of freshness that really wakes up the whole dish. For an extra pop, a dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can make your Shrimp Casserole truly shine.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs beautifully with simple, vibrant sides. While it’s hearty enough on its own, a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or roasted asparagus is always welcome. If you want to channel Southern comfort, serve with warm, crusty bread or a basket of fluffy buttermilk biscuits to soak up every delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, consider baking your Shrimp Casserole in individual ramekins—they’re charming, fun, and make for easy serving. You can also layer the mixture into mini bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes before baking for a playful, handheld twist. Or, pile spoonfuls onto toasted baguette rounds for an impressive appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Casserole keeps beautifully! Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and stash in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might find it even tastier the next day. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on meal prep? This casserole freezes like a dream. Simply assemble everything (don’t bake yet), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch, but the oven keeps that golden crust and gooey interior intact. Either way, a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving brings it all back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Casserole?
Absolutely—you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking so you don’t end up with extra liquid in your casserole. Frozen shrimp work just as well and are a convenient pantry staple.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan or don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, feel free to swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken. For a homemade touch, you can make a simple white sauce thickened with a bit of flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.
Is Shrimp Casserole gluten-free?
The base recipe isn’t gluten-free if you use regular canned soup, but you can easily make it so! Swap in a gluten-free cream soup or prepare a homemade gluten-free white sauce, and confirm all other ingredients, like rice and spices, are gluten-free certified.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This Shrimp Casserole is versatile. Toss in a handful of frozen peas, corn, chopped spinach, or even diced tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any watery vegetables first to avoid a soupy consistency.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar brings robust flavor and wonderful meltability, but you can get creative! Monterey jack, gouda, or a smoky provolone would also be delicious. Just pick your favorite or use whatever cheese you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Casserole is one of those rare treasures—easy enough for busy nights, yet comforting and crowd-pleasing every single time. Give it a try and let it find a place in your family’s meal rotation; you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy and flavorful seafood dish that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Tender shrimp, cooked rice, and a blend of cheeses come together in this easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp: Stir in the raw shrimp and cook until just pink. Remove from heat.
- Mix casserole: In a bowl, combine rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, spices, and shrimp. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp for a quicker version.
- Add peas or spinach for extra veggies.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
