Shrimp Louisiana Casserole
A flavorful shrimp casserole with tender rice, vegetables, and a savory mushroom sauce, topped with bread crumbs for a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 pound peeled deveined raw shrimp ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 slices white bread ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in margarine until tender-crisp.
- Add peeled, deveined raw shrimp and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper.
- Soak white bread slices in milk, then add to the mixture and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a buttered, shallow 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used; just reduce cooking time accordingly. To enhance flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning. This dish is versatile, and you can easily incorporate leftover vegetables from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Louisiana Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light coleslaw. It also makes a great main dish for gatherings or potlucks, ensuring everyone enjoys a taste of flavorful seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as it may become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Louisiana Casserole contains roughly 910 calories, with 29g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (246% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2539mg per serving (110% 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 casserole?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help maintain the texture of the dish, and you can follow the same cooking instructions as fresh shrimp.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a homemade cream sauce or substitute with cream of celery soup. Alternatively, a mixture of plain yogurt and chicken or vegetable broth can also work well to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version. Also, use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream soup to keep it flavorful while adhering to vegetarian guidelines.
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).