Cheese And Shrimp Casserole
A savory casserole combining tender mushrooms, creamy rice, and flavorful shrimp, all topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish offers rich flavors with a hint of tang from cocktail sauce and Worcestershire, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. light cream or milk ⓘ
- 1/3 c. cocktail sauce
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. fresh or frozen shelled shrimp ⓘ
- parsley sprigs (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook mushrooms in butter or margarine for 4 to 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cooked rice, shredded Cheddar cheese, light cream or milk, cocktail sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and chill 1 1/2 pounds of cooked shrimp. Half remaining shrimp lengthwise and stir into rice mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish or 2-quart au gratin dish.
- Bake, covered, in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until hot.
- Garnish with reserved shrimp and parsley sprigs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. You can substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or a plant-based protein for a different twist. If you prefer, use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition, or try adding diced bell peppers or peas for extra color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese and Shrimp Casserole is excellent when served with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon can complement the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through, or use a microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Shrimp Casserole contains roughly 297 calories, with 13g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used successfully in this casserole. Just ensure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before incorporating them into the dish, as excess moisture can affect the final texture.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
To prepare in advance, follow the recipe up until baking. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli to enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly with the mushrooms to ensure they are tender before mixing in with the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).