This Shrimp Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish layered with tender shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy, breadcrumb-crusted topping. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole blends tender shrimp with a creamy sauce and savory veggies—all baked under a golden, cheesy crust. It’s simple to assemble but feels indulgent and homey. Plus, it feeds a crowd with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Celery, chopped
Bell pepper, chopped
Garlic, minced
All‑purpose flour
Milk (or half-and-half)
Chicken or seafood broth
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère)
Sour cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
Grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Preheat and prep: I preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and grease a medium casserole dish.
Cook shrimp: In a large skillet, I heat a bit of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. I season shrimp lightly and sauté just until they turn pink—about 1–2 minutes per side. I remove them and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, I add more butter if needed, then sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes). I stir in garlic and cook another minute.
Make the sauce: I sprinkle flour over the veggies, stirring for a minute. Then I whisk in milk and broth gradually until the sauce thickens. I stir in cheese (and sour cream or cream cheese, if using) until smooth and creamy. I season with Cajun or Old Bay, salt, pepper, and fold in chopped parsley.
Assemble: I return shrimp to the sauce and gently stir. I pour everything into my prepared casserole dish.
Add topping: I mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle over the top for a crunchy finish.
Bake: I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, hot in the center, and the topping is golden.
Serve: I let it rest a few minutes, garnish with extra parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves 4–6 people.

Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: approximately 20–25 minutes
Total time: around 40 minutes

Variations

Cheesy swaps: I experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different cheese flavors.
Seafood blend: I sometimes add crab meat, scallops, or chopped fish for variety.
Veggie extras: I toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for more texture and nutrition.
Spice it up: I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra warmth.

storage/reheating

Storage: I refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze the unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 1 month. I bake it from frozen—adding about 10 extra minutes.
Reheating: I reheat in the oven at 160 °C (325 °F) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—I thaw and pat them dry before sautéing to prevent watery sauce.

Do I need to precook the shrimp?

I recommend lightly cooking shrimp before baking to avoid overcooking in the oven.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely—I use plant-based milk/cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, and it still comes out creamy and comforting.

What should I serve with this casserole?

I enjoy it with rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors.

Is it okay to add more veggies?

Absolutely—I’m free to stir in extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Casserole is one of my favorite cozy meals—it’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with shrimp and veggies under a crunchy, cheesy crust. I hope preparing and enjoying this satisfying dish brings you as much warmth and delight as it does for me!