Shrimp casserole is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that blends tender shrimp with a deliciously rich sauce, fresh vegetables, and a crunchy topping. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dish for entertaining, this seafood casserole is an excellent choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture – The combination of shrimp, cheese, and a creamy sauce creates an indulgent yet balanced dish.
- Versatile and Customizable – You can adapt this recipe with different ingredients, such as adding rice, pasta, or alternative vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
- Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables – In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Prepare the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and vegetables with the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Stir in the cooked rice or pasta if desired.
- Assemble the Casserole – Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Cheesy Delight – Use a mix of Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella for a different cheese blend.
- Healthier Option – Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soup is gluten-free.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the mixture and assemble the casserole in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and then bake as directed.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
What side dishes pair well with shrimp casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus.
Can I use fresh instead of canned soup?
Absolutely! A homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and milk can replace canned soup.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Ensure shrimp are dry before cooking, avoid overcooking, and use a thick sauce or binding ingredient like rice.
What is the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère work well for a rich, melty texture.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free soup, substitute mayo or sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and either refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Definitely! Crab, scallops, or white fish can complement the shrimp.
How do I make the casserole more filling?
Adding cooked pasta, quinoa, or extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini can make it heartier.
Conclusion
Shrimp casserole is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers. Whether you serve it for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Shrimp Casserole: A Creamy and Flavorful Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful shrimp casserole packed with tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a crispy topping. This easy seafood casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables – In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Prepare the Shrimp – Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp and vegetables with cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Stir in cooked rice or pasta if desired.
- Assemble the Casserole – Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- Bake – Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Use Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella for variety.
- Healthier Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo and use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp casserole, seafood casserole, creamy shrimp bake, easy shrimp recipe, baked shrimp dish
