Company Crab Casserole
A rich and flavorful crab casserole with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, perfect for seafood lovers and family dinners seeking comforting, savory dishes with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) whole tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked crabmeat or 1/2-inch pieces imitation crab ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese ⓘ
- 3 ounces cream cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir chopped onions and finely chopped garlic in olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the canned whole tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, dried marjoram, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir cooked crabmeat or imitation crab and feta cheese into the tomato mixture.
- Spoon the crab and tomato mixture over baked Lemon Oven Rice.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the tomato mixture while it simmers. If Feta isn't available, crumbled goat cheese makes a delightful substitute. To amp up the heat, add more red pepper or include a pinch of cayenne. This recipe can also be customized by incorporating your favorite seafood, making it versatile for any seafood recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
This crab casserole is delicious served over a bed of Lemon Oven Rice, which complements the flavors beautifully. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a special touch, serve alongside Spicy Marinated Shrimp to elevate the seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover crab casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they're heated evenly without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Crab Casserole contains roughly 459 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1480mg per serving (64% 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 fresh crab instead of canned or imitation crab?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will enhance the dish's flavor and texture. Just ensure it's properly cooked and flaked into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the tomato mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I do to make the casserole creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the tomato mixture. This will enhance the richness and create a luxurious mouthfeel, perfect for those who enjoy creamy seafood dishes.
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).