Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for chilly evenings. This all-in-one meal combines tender shrimp with creamy cheese and rice, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in many homes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this casserole has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect quick cheesy shrimp dinner.
- Hearty and filling, ideal for satisfying your hunger.
- Rich in protein from the shrimp, making it a healthy option.
- Can be made with pantry staples, ensuring convenience.
- Great for leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable – you can add your favorite vegetables!
This shrimp and cheese casserole is a delightful meal that fits well into any family’s dinner rotation, showcasing American cuisine in a comforting way.
Ingredients for Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
Gather these items:
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp (peeled)
- 1 cup long grain & wild rice blend
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade mushroom sauce)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (or fresh sautéed onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Cook Rice: Prepare the long grain and wild rice blend according to package instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 3: Boil Shrimp: In a pot of salted water, boil the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and firm. Drain.
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the cooked rice, shrimp, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spoon the mixture in; top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Step 6: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve: Remove from oven, cool slightly, and enjoy hot.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
There are several ways to enjoy this delightful dish:
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a great option!
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Top with fresh herbs or green onions for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
To store leftovers, keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This casserole is great for meal prep and can make for a quick warm-up dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Shrimp Casserole
What is cheesy shrimp casserole?
Cheesy shrimp casserole is a comforting dish combining shrimp, cheese, and rice, all baked together for a creamy, savory meal.
Can I make cheesy shrimp casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cheesy shrimp casserole?
To prevent overcooking, make sure the shrimp are just cooked before mixing. Also, ensure the rice is fully cooked to avoid a dry casserole.
Variations of Cheesy Shrimp Casserole You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some tasty alternatives:
- Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a flavor twist.
- Incorporate spices or hot sauce for a kick.
With these variations, your shrimp casserole with cheese will always feel fresh and exciting!
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Homemade Tomato Sauce!
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Cheesy Shrimp Casserole: 7 Comforting Ingredients
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp (peeled)
- 1 cup long grain & wild rice blend
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade mushroom sauce)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (or fresh sautéed onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Rice: Prepare the long grain and wild rice blend according to package instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Boil Shrimp: In a pot of salted water, boil the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and firm. Drain.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the cooked rice, shrimp, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, and salt.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spoon the mixture in; top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven, cool slightly, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
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