If you’re looking for a true crowd-pleaser, the Shrimp Casserole Recipe deserves a permanent spot on your table! This warm, comforting dish is brimming with succulent shrimp, tender rice, a creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. The beauty of this casserole lies in its unbeatable blend of flavors and the ease with which you can whip it up—no special culinary skills required. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive potluck, this casserole is always a hit thanks to its rich texture, satisfying heartiness, and irresistible seafood charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp Casserole Recipe serves a distinct purpose, combining to create layers of flavor, lush creaminess, pops of color, and the perfect, crispy finish. Here’s what you’ll gather to make magic happen in your kitchen:
- Raw Shrimp (1 pound): The star of the show—fresh, juicy shrimp bring irresistible sweetness and a taste of the sea.
- Cooked White Rice (2 cups): Acts as the perfect foundation for soaking up all those creamy flavors and juices.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, it adds a hint of richness and helps meld the vegetable flavors together.
- Small Onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth, forming a true flavor base.
- Green Bell Pepper, diced (1/2): Lends color, crunch, and a slight bitterness to balance the dish.
- Celery, diced (1 stalk): Adds pleasant crunch and a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just a hint elevates the aroma and gives each bite a savory kick.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): One of the secrets to that ultra-creamy, cohesive casserole texture.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of tang and creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey pockets and infuses a touch of sharpness.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): For gentle warmth and a burst of color on top.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together perfectly—don’t skip this!
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and balance.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little extra zip.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Toasts to a beautiful golden crust that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Melted Butter (1 tablespoon): Mixed with breadcrumbs, it ensures your topping is crisp and flavorful.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional): Scatters a pop of freshness and bright green color on top.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful casserole serves up in perfect squares without any hassle.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a roomy skillet set over medium heat, add your olive oil and swirl it to coat. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté everything for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the veggies turn soft and aromatic—their mingled flavors make the perfect base for your Shrimp Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Shrimp
Next, stir in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle in the skillet for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then pour in the shrimp, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque—only 2 to 3 minutes! Be careful not to overcook; you want your shrimp juicy and tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Transfer the veggie-shrimp mixture off the heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Now, fold the shrimp and veggies right into this creamy, cheesy medley, mixing just until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spread the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even layer. In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the casserole. This step guarantees that golden, crave-worthy crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Once the Shrimp Casserole Recipe is hot, bubbly all around the edges, and the top is a luscious golden brown, it’s ready to serve! If desired, scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds not just color but a delicate, herbaceous lift. A wedge of lemon on the side can also be lovely, balancing the richness with a bright, citrusy flair. If you love a little extra heat, a light dusting of paprika or cayenne on top just before serving is a simple finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is wonderfully versatile, pairing well with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, simple steamed green beans, or even a platter of garlic bread to mop up any lingering sauce. Think light, zesty sides that play off the comfort food goodness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or brunch. You can also scoop the casserole mix into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a colorful entrée. Or, if you’re thinking outside the box, try layering it in small mason jars for a portable, picnic-ready treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Shrimp Casserole Recipe, store it airtight in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld overnight, making those leftovers a delightful treat for lunch!
Freezing
Want to freeze? Go right ahead. Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When that craving calls, thaw overnight in the fridge—then bake as usual, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if needed for bubbling perfection.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions in the microwave until hot, or place larger amounts in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. Be sure to keep the topping crispy by briefly broiling for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this Shrimp Casserole Recipe so the shrimp remain juicy and don’t get rubbery. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end to warm through, not to cook further.
Can I substitute brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled, as it’s a bit firmer than white rice—great if you like a bit more texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free variety, use a plant-based sour cream, and go for a vegan cheese. You’ll still achieve a luscious, creamy casserole with plenty of flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in mushrooms, diced tomatoes, corn, or spinach. Just make sure any extra veggies are sautéed until soft and have released excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
No problem! Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of shrimp—both are delicious in this Shrimp Casserole Recipe and change up the undertones of the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Shrimp Casserole Recipe a try—it’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with seafood flavor. There’s a reason it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it’ll win some fans in yours, too. Share it with loved ones, and enjoy every hearty, homey bite!
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Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Casserole Recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with cooked rice, vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until pink. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Fold in the shrimp and vegetable mixture until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of shrimp.
- For added flavor, stir in 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
