Delicious Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice & Cheese Recipe

Oh, casseroles! Is there anything more comforting? Seriously, when I need a hug in food form, I’m all about a good casserole. And this Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese? It’s a total winner. It’s just one of those recipes that feels like home, you know?

What I love most is how simple it is to throw together. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor. Shrimp, rice, cheese – what’s not to love? It’s the perfect combo for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

I remember the first time I made a casserole. I was probably ten, helping my grandma in the kitchen. It was a tuna noodle thing, and I messed it up terribly, haha! But Grandma just laughed and said, “That’s okay, honey, that’s why we have cheese!” And that’s the spirit of a good casserole, isn’t it? Forgiveness and cheesy goodness. This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese brings that same feeling every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Okay, so why *should* you make this casserole? Lemme tell ya, it’s a total game-changer. Here’s the lowdown:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, who has time to slave away in the kitchen all night? Not me! This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese comes together in under an hour. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!

Comfort Food Delight

Cheese, rice, and shrimp? Come on! It’s like a warm hug for your tummy. The creamy texture and savory flavors? Forget about it! You’ll be hooked.

Family-Friendly Recipe

Even picky eaters will gobble this up! My kids are obsessed, and that’s saying something. It’s a great way to get them to eat their shrimp (and sneak in some veggies, if you’re sneaky like me!).

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like cheddar? Use Monterey Jack! Wanna add some spice? Throw in some extra red pepper flakes! This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese is super flexible, so you can make it your own. Trust me, you can swap things in and out. Have fun!

Ingredients for Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice. (Gotta have that rice!)
• 1 1/2 lbs medium raw shrimp. (Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, nobody wants shrimp poop!)
• 1/2 cup butter. (Real butter, please! It makes a difference, trust me.)
• 1 green pepper, chopped. (Adds a nice little crunch and flavor.)
• 1 onion, chopped. (The base of all good casseroles, right?)
• 3 celery ribs, chopped. (Don’t skip the celery, it adds a subtle something-something!)
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped. (Because garlic makes everything better. Amen.)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). (If you like a little kick!)
• 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of shrimp soup, undiluted. (This is the creamy magic!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (I used sea salt). (Sea salt just tastes better, IMO.)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper. (Freshly ground is the way to go!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar and colby cheese, blend (can use more). (Cheese is life. Feel free to add more, I won’t judge!)
• 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumb (can use more). (For that lovely golden crust on top.)

How to Make Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy casserole in no time.

1. First things first, get that rice going! Prepare 1 1/2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice according to the package directions. While the rice is cooking, you can move onto the next steps. Efficiency is key, right?
2. Now, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat that bad boy to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t wanna forget this step, or you’ll be waiting forever for your casserole to bake!
3. Next, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Careful, it can splatter a bit! I like to use a big skillet so I have plenty of room.
4. Add 1 chopped green pepper, 1 chopped onion, 3 chopped celery ribs, and 2 chopped garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté these veggies for about 10 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender. That aroma? That’s the smell of deliciousness happening!
5. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans of undiluted cream of shrimp soup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Then, add those 1 1/2 lbs of shrimp! Cook for about 3 minutes, or just until the shrimp turn pink. Now, listen closely: do NOT overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and sad. We want juicy, tender shrimp!
6. Once the rice is cooked and the shrimp mixture is ready, combine them in a large bowl. Mix it all up gently.
7. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. If you’re like me and want to make a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe and use a 9-inch baking dish instead. Works like a charm!
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar and colby cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle 1/4 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs on top of the cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese or breadcrumbs, it’s what makes it extra yummy!
9. Finally, bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on it! You want it nice and golden, not burnt to a crisp.

And there you have it! Your very own Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving (it’ll be HOT!), and then dig in! Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Okay, so let’s talk about those ingredients a little more! Sometimes you gotta make swaps, and that’s totally cool. Here’s the DL:

Shrimp

I usually go for medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. But honestly? Frozen shrimp works just fine! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before you throw it in the skillet. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!

Rice

Long-grain rice is my go-to for this Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. But if you’re in a pinch, you *could* use pre-cooked rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, ’cause you don’t want mushy rice. Nobody likes mushy rice!

Cheese

Cheddar and Colby is my fave combo, but if you’re not a fan, no worries! Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan would be delish. Use what you like! It’s your casserole, after all.

Cream of Shrimp Soup

Okay, so sometimes cream of shrimp soup is hard to find. If you can’t find it, cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup works in a pinch! It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be yummy. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can even make your own cream sauce!

Tips for the Best Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Want to take your Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little secrets!

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

I can’t stress this enough! Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and tough. Yuck! Cook it *just* until it turns pink, and it’ll be perfect.

Use Quality Ingredients

Seriously, it makes a difference! Fresh veggies, real butter, good cheese… it all adds up to a tastier casserole. Don’t skimp!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your own taste buds. It’s your casserole, so make it perfect for YOU!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas:

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. It adds a little freshness to balance out the richness of the casserole. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together!

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli or asparagus are great choices. They’re healthy, delicious, and they don’t overpower the flavor of the Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. You could even roast them with a little garlic and olive oil. Yum!

Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. Trust me on this one. You won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep your Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese fresh and delicious for another meal!

Storage Instructions

Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge! It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down first; you don’t want to steam up your fridge!

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees until it’s warmed through, or just nuke it in the microwave for a few minutes. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or broth. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this amazing Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. Let’s dive in!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a lifesaver, right? Just make sure you thaw it completely before cooking. I usually put it in a colander and run it under cold water until it’s thawed, then pat it dry with paper towels. Nobody wants watery casserole!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You betcha! You can totally assemble the whole Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese, cover it tightly with foil, and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through. Perfect for busy days!

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Heck yeah! Veggies are always a good idea! Feel free to toss in some peas, carrots, or even some chopped broccoli or spinach along with the other veggies. Just sauté them along with the onion, pepper, and celery. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Is this casserole gluten-free?

As written, no, it’s not. But it’s super easy to make it gluten-free! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your cream of shrimp soup is gluten-free, too. Some brands have gluten, so always double-check the label! And voila! Gluten-free Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese!

Nutritional Information for Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info for this Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese, right? Well, here’s a rough estimate. Keep in mind, it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But this should give you a good idea!

Per serving (estimated):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Remember, this is just an estimate! But hey, it’s delicious, right? And sometimes, that’s all that matters!

Enjoyed This Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese?

Woohoo! Glad you liked this Easy Shrimp Casserole with Rice and Cheese. If you gave it a try, leave a comment below and tell me what you think! Or, even better, rate the recipe! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share it with your friends. Sharing is caring!

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