Name: Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 small green bell pepper (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)

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Creamy, comforting, and brimming with the fresh flavors of the sea, this Shrimp Casserole is the kind of dish that quietly steals the show at any get-together—or turns a regular weeknight dinner into something memorable. Picture vibrant bell peppers, tender shrimp, and a blanket of gooey cheese all mingling in savory harmony over a bed of rice, tucked into one cozy dish. It’s effortless to prepare, deeply satisfying, and a fantastic way to showcase shrimp in a homey, crowd-pleasing style. Whether you’re hosting family or just want a delicious reward at the end of the day, this shrimp casserole brings that enthusiastic “wow” factor every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients can create such a flavorful masterpiece. Each ingredient in this shrimp casserole serves an important role, adding either a layer of comfort, a pop of color, or a burst of vibrant taste.

Raw shrimp: Chopped, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star here, bringing sweet, briny flavor and tender texture.
Butter: Adds a rich base and helps coax out the sweetness from the onion and pepper.
Small onion: Finely chopped for that gentle, savory aroma and essential depth in every bite.
Green bell pepper: Offers crunch and color, balancing the creaminess of the casserole.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves deliver a lovely punch of flavor that lingers in the background.
Cooked white rice: The foundation—sturdy yet fluffy, rice soaks up all that luscious sauce.
Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy, savory backbone and silky texture.
Mayonnaise: Ensures even more creaminess and a gentle tang, making everything meld together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and sharp, cheddar is the perfect contrast to the shrimp’s sweetness.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a splash of ruddy color.
Salt: Essential for tying all the flavors together—don’t skimp!
Black pepper: For just enough zip to cut through the richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, umami crust once baked, making every forkful irresistible.
Breadcrumbs (optional): For added crunch and that classic, golden casserole finish.
Olive oil (if using breadcrumbs): Helps the topping brown beautifully for extra visual and textural appeal.

How to Make Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Give a 9×9-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This helps everything release easily, making serving (and clean-up) a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt your butter. Once it’s foaming, toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes—the goal is for the veggies to soften and the aroma to turn irresistible. Add the chopped shrimp and cook just until they go pink, about 2-3 minutes. Take care not to overcook, as they’ll finish baking in the oven.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Components

While your shrimp and veggies cool a bit, grab a large bowl. Add the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended—no pockets of mayo or lumps of cheese. Then, gently fold in your sautéed shrimp and vegetables.

Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp Casserole

Pour that wonderful mixture into your greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. If you’re opting for a crunchy topping, toss your breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and scatter them on top. This step creates that signature crust we all crave in a classic Shrimp Casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a golden top. The aroma alone will make it hard to let it rest, but give it 5 minutes before digging in so the casserole can set slightly and serving is tidy.

How to Serve Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

Brighten up your Shrimp Casserole just before serving with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even paper-thin lemon slices. These small touches add a burst of color and freshness that cut through the dish’s richness, making every bite vibrantly appealing.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying meal all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans always hits the spot. For something a little extra, consider a hunk of warm, crusty bread to mop up every creamy morsel. A chilled glass of white wine completes the comfort food experience!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, portion the Shrimp Casserole into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Or, finish with a zigzag of spicy aioli or flavored oil for restaurant-style flair. Presentation is part of the fun, so don’t shy away from using pretty herbs or colorful vegetables to make it pop on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge—just be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making delicious, speedy lunches a breeze.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole! Just let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or use a lidded freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, uncover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works well—just add a splash of water and cover to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or have pre-cooked shrimp on hand, simply chop them up and stir them in after sautéing the vegetables. Since they won’t need further cooking, just ensure they’re heated through in the oven.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can swap in cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, depending on your flavor preference or what’s in your pantry. Each will give its own twist, but the creamy consistency remains vital for that classic Shrimp Casserole texture.

Can I make Shrimp Casserole spicy?

For a spicy kick, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or stir in a touch of Cajun seasoning with the rice and creamy base. It brings an extra layer of warmth that plays beautifully with the shrimp!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The oven is best if you want to revive that lovely crust. Just bake at 350°F until the center is steamy and the topping crisps up again. For a quick lunch, microwaving works—cover lightly and heat in short bursts to prevent drying out.

Can I swap the rice for another grain?

Definitely! Cooked quinoa or farro make excellent swaps for white rice if you want a little extra nuttiness or a different texture. Just make sure whatever grain you use is fully cooked before adding it to your Shrimp Casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s as easy to throw together as it is irresistible, Shrimp Casserole deserves a top spot on your table. Make it once, and you’ll soon find it tucked into your regular rotation—because serving up coastal comfort has simply never been this delicious!

Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and creamy seafood dish that combines tender shrimp with flavorful vegetables, rice, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
Cook Shrimp: Add chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix rice, soup, mayonnaise, cheese, and seasonings. Add shrimp and vegetables.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.