Shrimp Casserole Bake

This Shrimp Casserole Bake is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights. With a savory mix of tender shrimp, soft white rice, melted cheddar, and creamy mushroom sauce, it delivers pure comfort in every bite. The garlic seasoning and crisp topping add just the right amount of punch to balance the richness.

What makes this dish stand out is how simple it is to prepare, no need to precook the rice or shrimp. Just toss it all together and let the oven do the work. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this cozy casserole is sure to please seafood lovers and comfort food fans alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, sautéed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the shredded cheese. Mix well.

4. Stir in raw shrimp and spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

5. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with paprika.

6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice Casserole: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Classic

If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying, and fuss-free dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, you’ve just found your new go-to: Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice Casserole. This dish brings together juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese all baked into a cozy rice casserole that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

Casseroles have long been a staple in kitchens around the world for a reason: they’re the epitome of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner just stepping into the world of home-cooked meals, casseroles offer flexibility, minimal cleanup, and endless flavor variations. And with this shrimp casserole, we’re adding a luxurious seafood twist to a beloved classic.

Why This Shrimp Casserole is a Must-Try

There’s a lot to love about this dish beyond the taste. It’s designed to be straightforward and low effort, making it a perfect weeknight solution or meal prep option. From prep to bake, the entire dish is ready in just over an hour, and there’s no need to precook the rice or shrimp, everything goes into one pan and comes out bubbling and golden.

You also get incredible flavor layering: garlic and sautéed veggies enhance the shrimp, while the mushroom soup and mayonnaise form a rich, creamy base. The sharp cheddar melts into the dish, creating that crave-worthy cheesiness that makes casseroles so beloved.

Plus, this recipe is versatile. Want to add more vegetables? Toss in peas, broccoli florets, or even corn. Trying to go low-carb? Substitute the rice for cauliflower rice. Craving a crunchier topping? Add a handful of crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs before the final bake.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s talk more about the key ingredients and how they come together to create this unforgettable casserole:

• Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and gives the dish a seafood-forward flair that sets it apart from typical chicken or beef casseroles. You’ll want to use peeled and deveined shrimp, fresh or thawed from frozen. Tail-off shrimp makes it easier for serving and eating.

• Uncooked Rice

Using uncooked white rice allows it to absorb the broth and flavor as it bakes. Jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal for this dish. Be sure not to substitute with minute or instant rice unless you adjust the liquid ratios and cooking time accordingly.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup

This pantry staple is the secret weapon in so many comforting dishes. Its earthy depth and creamy texture work as the glue in the casserole, bringing all the ingredients together. For a homemade or healthier twist, feel free to use a homemade mushroom béchamel.

• Mayonnaise

Don’t let mayo scare you, it adds creaminess without making the casserole taste overly like mayonnaise. It melts into the other ingredients to deliver a luxurious texture.

• Cheddar Cheese

A sharp cheddar adds tangy richness and helps create that irresistible melted top layer. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or try pepper jack for a mild kick.

• Garlic Powder & Paprika

Simple spices elevate this casserole without overwhelming the other flavors. Garlic powder adds warmth, while paprika lends a hint of smokiness and a beautiful red-gold finish on top.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Casserole

Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping meals for the week, this shrimp casserole will serve you well. Here are a few pro tips to help you make it perfect every time:

1. Use Raw Shrimp

Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when baked. Raw shrimp will cook just right in the oven, staying juicy and tender.

2. Cover Then Uncover

Baking the casserole covered for the majority of the time keeps everything moist and allows the rice to cook evenly. Removing the foil at the end lets the cheese on top brown beautifully.

3. Make It Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

4. Store and Reheat Well

Leftovers store great in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just want to elevate your table, consider these pairings:

• Fresh Green Salad: The cool crunch of romaine or spinach with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Use it to soak up every last bite of that cheesy, creamy goodness.

• Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts pair nicely and add a nutritional boost.

• Lemon Wedges: A light squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens up the dish and complements the seafood flavor.

Dietary Swaps and Variations

Want to tweak the recipe to suit different needs? Here are some options:

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice. You may need to reduce the liquid slightly.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free cream soup base.

• Gluten-Free: Be sure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. Some brands add wheat-based thickeners.

• More Veggies: Add frozen peas, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.

History of Shrimp Casseroles in Southern Cuisine

Casseroles have deep roots in Southern cooking, where stretching ingredients and layering flavors have long been essential practices. Shrimp casseroles, in particular, became popular in coastal communities where fresh seafood was abundant. These dishes were economical, nourishing, and a way to turn humble ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts.

Over the years, casseroles transitioned from simple home fare to popular potluck and holiday dishes, often passed down through generations. Today, they remain a symbol of warmth, family, and shared meals, and this recipe brings that tradition into the modern kitchen with ease.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice Casserole is everything a weeknight dinner should be: easy, satisfying, and full of flavor. It blends the richness of cheddar, the boldness of garlic, and the delicate brininess of shrimp into one cozy, bubbling pan of perfection. Whether you’re making this for your family, meal-prepping lunches, or bringing it to a potluck, you’re guaranteed to get rave reviews.

This dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be spectacular. A few quality ingredients, one baking dish, and a little oven magic come together to create a seafood casserole that’s worthy of your weekly rotation and maybe even your recipe box for years to come.