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A bubbling shrimp casserole in a baking dish

Classic Comfort Shrimp Casserole

This hearty shrimp casserole features succulent shrimp baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with rice and vegetables, topped with a crispy Panko crust for ultimate comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb medium to large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off (if frozen, thawed and patted dry)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for topping

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink, removing it before it overcooks and setting it aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for one minute to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the broth and milk until the mixture is smooth and thick, then stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice, frozen peas, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the mixture.
  • Transfer the casserole mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Baking

  • In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the vegetables. You can also customize by adding other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.