Description
This Shrimp Casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp baked with creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, combined with cooked white rice and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Casserole Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Rice and Cheese: Fold the cooked white rice and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, stirring until the rice is fully coated and the mixture is uniform.
- Combine Shrimp with Mixture: Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the rice and cheese mixture, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the casserole base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the shrimp and rice mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use cooked rice leftover from a previous meal or freshly cooked rice cooled to room temperature.
- Adjust garlic and onion powder quantities to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Breadcrumb topping can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp casserole, baked shrimp dish, cheesy shrimp casserole, easy shrimp recipe, seafood casserole, comfort food, baked casserole
