Comfort food meets coastal flavor in this Shrimp and Rice Casserole, a creamy, oven-baked dish that brings warmth and richness to every forkful. Plump shrimp are folded into a savory blend of seasoned rice, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious cheese or cream sauce—all baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s hearty enough for a main course, yet light enough to leave you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
Creamy & Comforting: A smooth, flavorful texture with just the right richness.
Seafood Made Simple: A great way to enjoy shrimp without complicated steps.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild enough for kids, satisfying enough for adults.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Great for meal prepping or serving a crowd!
Ingredients
Creating a delicious Shrimp and Rice Casserole starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked white rice: This forms the base of your casserole, providing a hearty texture.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
Diced bell pepper: Choose red or green for a pop of color and sweetness.
Diced onion: This adds depth and aroma to the dish.
Diced celery: For a crunchy texture and fresh taste.
Minced garlic: A must-have for that aromatic kick.
Cream of mushroom soup: This creamy element binds everything together, making it rich and comforting.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding a gooey finish.
Chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and moisture of the casserole.
Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that brings a unique flavor profile.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding healthy fats.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, it adds a touch of freshness and color.
Feel free to get creative!
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
If shrimp isn’t your thing, cooked chicken or a mix of seafood can work wonders too.
You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing.
How to Make Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Making a Shrimp and Rice Casserole is a straightforward process that yields delicious results.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish ready to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking.
A hot oven helps the cheese melt beautifully and gives the casserole that golden finish we all love.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their flavors.
This step builds a solid flavor base for your casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, toss in the minced garlic and shrimp.
Cook until the shrimp turn pink and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Be careful not to overcook them; they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Perfectly cooked shrimp are the star of this dish!
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to create a creamy base.
This mixture will hold everything together, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, gently fold the sautéed shrimp and vegetables into the rice mixture.
Make sure everything is evenly combined.
This step ensures that every spoonful of your Shrimp and Rice Casserole is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Use leftover rice for a quicker prep time; it saves you from cooking rice again.
Don’t skip the sautéing step; it enhances the flavors of the vegetables and shrimp.
For a creamier texture, add a splash more chicken broth if needed.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it helps set the layers.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on flavor.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for sautéing.
Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will do for combining ingredients.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal; a similar-sized casserole dish can be used.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
Variations of Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Spicy Shrimp and Rice Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Seafood Medley: Substitute shrimp with a mix of crab, scallops, and shrimp for a luxurious twist.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheesy Broccoli Addition: Stir in steamed broccoli florets for added nutrition and color.
Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
White Wine: A chilled glass of white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Garnish: Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch and fresh parsley for color.
FAQs about Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this Shrimp and Rice Casserole. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten up your Shrimp and Rice Casserole, consider using brown rice instead of white rice. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat versions of the cream of mushroom soup.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a great time-saver for busy weeknights!
What can I serve with Shrimp and Rice Casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some warm garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Definitely! If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can use cooked chicken or even a mix of seafood. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the casserole.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Shrimp and Rice Casserole is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in, sparking conversations and laughter.
Each creamy bite is a reminder of the comfort food that brings us together.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let this casserole become a staple in your home.
A creamy and delicious Shrimp and Rice Casserole that combines shrimp, vegetables, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked white rice
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Fold the shrimp and vegetable mixture into the rice mixture until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or a mix of seafood for a different flavor profile.
