Crawfish Or Shrimp Casserole
A savory seafood casserole blending crawfish or shrimp with vegetables, cheeses, and spices, baked until bubbly. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stick butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimiento, chopped with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked crawfish or shrimp ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook chopped onions, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in butter until tender.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, chopped pimiento with juice, chopped parsley, green onions, crawfish or shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Heat thoroughly.
- Stir in cooked rice and some bread crumbs.
- Place the mixture in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture. If you want a bit of spice, feel free to increase the hot sauce amount or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute the crawfish with cooked chicken for a different flavor or use different types of cheese soups to customize the taste. This dish is versatile and can adapt to your pantry items.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread, making it a hearty meal. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving alongside Pirok(Salmon Pie) or Spiced Shrimp to create a delicious seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crawfish Or Shrimp Casserole contains roughly 599 calories, with 29g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2360mg per serving (103% 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 crawfish or shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crawfish or shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture. This will help avoid excess moisture in the casserole, ensuring it bakes properly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the crawfish or shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Additionally, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegetable version to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining great flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
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).