Description
This delicious shrimp casserole combines tender, juicy shrimp with creamy cheese, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice, baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
- 1 medium diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- Water and salt (for cooking rice) as needed
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, water according to package instructions, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, shrimp, 1 cup of heavy cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. Transfer the shrimp and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the 1 cup of breadcrumbs over the top to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the casserole will be less creamy.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh parsley on top after baking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchier topping.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the sauté step to avoid toughness; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
