Description
This creamy and flavorful Shrimp Casserole combines tender shrimp with cooked rice, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and a blend of aromatic vegetables and seasonings. Baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Casserole Mixture
- 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
- 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
Optional Topping and Garnish
- 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: 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 are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Casserole Mixture: 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. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Shrimp and Vegetables: Stir the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables into the rice and cheese mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure shrimp is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat milk.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture.
- Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- This casserole pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
