What could be more comforting than a bubbling, creamy Shrimp Casserole fresh out of the oven, brimming with shrimp, rice, mushrooms, and melted cheddar? This is one of those bake-and-serve dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to whenever you need to feed a hungry crew or simply crave a taste of home. With every spoonful, you get the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and subtly spiced flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal, Shrimp Casserole has a magical way of winning hearts (and appetites) every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp Casserole proves that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to deliver big flavor and comfort. Each staple builds on the next, creating creamy, savory, and colorful layers that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser.

White rice: The comforting base, it soaks up every bit of creamy sauce while giving body to the casserole.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies and create that luscious sauce.
Chopped onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite that balances out the flavors.
White mushrooms: Offer earthiness and texture; they meld perfectly into the casserole.
Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that signature, creamy casserole finish.
Milk: Provides the luscious base for your cheese sauce; whole milk works best for extra creaminess.
Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts into a beautifully tangy, oozy layer both inside and on top.
Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood spice mix that puts the “wow” in your shrimp dishes.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for highlighting the other flavors—season generously to taste.
Green peas: Bring pops of color and a touch of sweetness that makes the whole dish sing.
Cooked shrimp (deveined and shelled): The star of the show; tender, juicy, and little flavor bombs in every bite.
More shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: For that irresistible bubbling cheesy top—because you really can’t have too much cheese!

How to Make Shrimp Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures everything cooks evenly and develops that signature bubbly top. Don’t forget to grease your 9×13 baking pan—this will help the casserole come out cleanly and keep every bite just right.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Prepare your rice according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 4 1/2 cups cooked rice, which makes a hearty base for the Shrimp Casserole. Fluffy rice traps all the yummy sauce, so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

Grab a large skillet, melt a spoonful of butter, and add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—their flavors will build the foundation of the casserole. Once cooked through, stir in the rice, mixing well so the veggies are evenly distributed. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside while you get saucy.

Step 4: Make the Roux with Garlic and Butter

In a large saucepan, melt another bit of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for two minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen and your mouth starts watering! This forms the base of your sauce, so don’t rush this aromatic step.

Step 5: Thicken the Base with Flour

Sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring. Cook for about two minutes—the mixture should start to smell delightfully toasty, like a pie crust that’s just hit golden brown status. This step is key for a thick, creamy sauce with no lumps.

Step 6: Whisk in Milk for Creamy Perfection

Slowly pour the milk into your roux, whisking rapidly. This helps avoid lumps and guarantees a super-smooth sauce. You’re building the cozy creaminess at the heart of Shrimp Casserole here, so take your time.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Keep stirring for about 5-6 minutes, until the sauce thickens up to a velvety consistency. This is your cue to move on when it coats the back of a spoon and feels rich and luxurious.

Step 8: Add Cheese, Seasonings, Peas, and Shrimp

Toss in the shredded cheddar, Old Bay, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese has melted completely. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like. Mix in the peas and let them cook briefly in the sauce, then add the shrimp, stir everything together, and remove the pan from heat. Your sauce is officially irresistible.

Step 9: Mix It All Together

Pour the cheese sauce over the rice and veggie mixture in your big bowl. Stir until every grain of rice and every piece of shrimp is coated in the cheesy goodness. Now, scoop it all into your prepared baking pan—it already looks and smells fantastic!

Step 10: Bake and Finish with Cheese

Bake for 30 minutes, until the casserole is golden and bubbling at the edges. Pull it out, sprinkle the remaining cheddar all over the top, then return it to the oven for just five more minutes. Let it cool for five minutes before serving so every spoonful holds together perfectly. Time to dig in!

How to Serve Shrimp Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and color, while thinly sliced green onions give a gentle crunch and a pop of flavor. If you love a little heat, try a dash of smoked paprika or serve with lemon wedges for zesty freshness—the finishing touches truly make each plate shine.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Casserole is hearty all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up any cheesy sauce left behind. A crisp green salad, vinaigrette-dressed arugula, or even roasted asparagus will bring a fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy casserole on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, spoon Shrimp Casserole into individual ramekins for personal portions—so cute and inviting! Alternatively, serve family-style in your favorite casserole dish at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. To switch things up, consider filling hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making the leftovers arguably even better! Just be sure to cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Shrimp Casserole if you want to prep ahead. Wrap the cooled casserole (whole or in portions) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To maintain the best texture, eat within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, either microwave single portions or cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350 °F oven until heated through. If it looks a little dry, sprinkle on a tablespoon of milk or broth before reheating. Add a little fresh cheese on top for an extra-melty finish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw frozen shrimp fully, pat them dry, and proceed as instructed. Make sure they’re cooked before they go into the casserole, which keeps everything from getting watery.

What’s the best way to make it less spicy for kids?

Old Bay does have a little kick, but you can simply use less (or omit entirely) to make the Shrimp Casserole perfectly mild and family-friendly. Taste as you go and customize the seasoning to everyone’s liking.

Can I substitute another cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp cheddar gives that classic flavor, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little pepper jack for extra zing. Just make sure it’s a good melter for that dreamy sauce.

Do I have to use white mushrooms?

No, feel free to swap in cremini or button mushrooms, or even a mix for more complexity. You could also skip mushrooms if you’re not a fan—swap in bell peppers or zucchini for texture and color.

How far ahead can I assemble the casserole?

You can assemble the whole Shrimp Casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and store in the fridge up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time straight from the fridge if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guarantee of empty plates and happy faces, this Shrimp Casserole is about as close as it gets. It’s cheesy, cozy, and simple enough to become a new staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it earn a regular spot on your dinner table!

Shrimp Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Shrimp Casserole recipe is a delightful and cheesy dish that combines tender shrimp, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and set aside.
Cook Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft. Mix in the cooked rice, then transfer to a large bowl.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, cook garlic, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Stir in cheese, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Add green peas and shrimp to the sauce. Pour over the rice mixture in the bowl and mix well.
Bake: Transfer mixture to the baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seafood.
Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: Shrimp Casserole, Shrimp and Rice Casserole, Cheesy Shrimp Casserole