Name: Delightful Shrimp Casserole
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp — peeled and deveined. The shrimp is the star of the dish, providing a sweet, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.; 2 cups cooked rice — white, brown, or wild. The rice serves as a hearty base, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients while adding a comforting texture.; 1 cup frozen peas — or chopped green beans. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the richness of the sauce.; 1 cup diced bell peppers — red, green, or yellow. The bell peppers contribute both taste and crucial vitamins, adding freshness to the dish.; 1 small onion — finely chopped. Onions build the foundational flavor of the dish, providing a savory base when sautéed.; 2 cloves garlic — minced. Garlic enhances the overall taste with its aromatic quality, making every bite richer.; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter — for sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce. Butter contributes richness and depth of flavor.; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour — to create a roux for the sauce, helping to thicken it.; 2 cups milk — whole or half-and-half, which makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — adding an umami kick to the sauce.; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese — divided, this cheese provides a gooey, melty topping that’s hard to resist.; ½ teaspoon paprika — for a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color.; ½ teaspoon dried thyme — adding a hint of earthiness that complements the shrimp.; ½ teaspoon salt — adjust to taste.; ¼ teaspoon black pepper — to enhance the dish’s overall flavor.; ½ cup breadcrumbs — panko or regular, for a crunchy topping.; 2 tablespoons melted butter — for mixing with the breadcrumbs to give them a rich flavor.; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley — optional, as a fresh garnish for serving.

Description

Enjoy a savory and comforting shrimp casserole—packed with flavor and the perfect hearty dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp — peeled and deveined. The shrimp is the star of the dish, providing a sweet, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
2 cups cooked rice — white, brown, or wild. The rice serves as a hearty base, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients while adding a comforting texture.
1 cup frozen peas — or chopped green beans. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the richness of the sauce.
1 cup diced bell peppers — red, green, or yellow. The bell peppers contribute both taste and crucial vitamins, adding freshness to the dish.
1 small onion — finely chopped. Onions build the foundational flavor of the dish, providing a savory base when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic — minced. Garlic enhances the overall taste with its aromatic quality, making every bite richer.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter — for sautéing the vegetables and making the sauce. Butter contributes richness and depth of flavor.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour — to create a roux for the sauce, helping to thicken it.
2 cups milk — whole or half-and-half, which makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — adding an umami kick to the sauce.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese — divided, this cheese provides a gooey, melty topping that’s hard to resist.
½ teaspoon paprika — for a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color.
½ teaspoon dried thyme — adding a hint of earthiness that complements the shrimp.
½ teaspoon salt — adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper — to enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
½ cup breadcrumbs — panko or regular, for a crunchy topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter — for mixing with the breadcrumbs to give them a rich flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley — optional, as a fresh garnish for serving.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by boiling 1 pound of shrimp in a pot of salted water for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. This quick cooking is to par-cook the shrimp, which will then finish cooking in the oven. Drain the shrimp and set them aside. If you prefer smaller pieces, chop them into bite-sized chunks.
Cook the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, stirring for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and sauté everything for an additional 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of frozen peas (or chopped green beans) to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, create a roux by melting 3 tablespoons of butter (if needed, add more butter). Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, continuously whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked 2 cups of rice, sautéed vegetables, boiled shrimp, and creamy sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Then, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Spread it evenly and top it with the remaining ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. After removing from the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for a fresh finish.