The Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe: Easy, Creamy & Delicious

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both simple and satisfying? This Shrimp Casserole is just what you need. It’s packed with tender shrimp, savory veggies, a creamy cheese sauce, and topped with a golden crust—everything baked to perfection in one dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday evening, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Shrimp casseroles are great because they’re easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Plus, they don’t require hours in the kitchen. This version uses everyday pantry staples, skips pork and alcohol entirely, and focuses on wholesome, accessible ingredients that don’t compromise on taste.

Perfect for sharing or meal prepping, this casserole works well with salads, rice, or rolls on the side. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to switch up your dinner routine, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Casserole Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this shrimp casserole—and it’s not just the creamy texture and rich taste. First, it’s incredibly easy. With simple steps and minimal prep, anyone can make this, even on a busy night. The ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find at your local grocery store.

Second, the flavor is outstanding. The shrimp pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, offering a balanced taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet. No overpowering seafood flavor—just smooth, comforting goodness in every bite.

You’ll also love how customizable it is. Want it spicy? Add chili flakes. More veggies? Go for it. Need it gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs or skip them. It’s flexible, family-approved, and great for leftovers, making it a smart and tasty addition to your weekly meal plan.

What You’ll Need

You’ll only need simple ingredients for this shrimp casserole, most of which are kitchen staples. Here’s what to gather:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional)

No pork, salami, or alcohol here—just wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 1/2 cup celery, 1/2 cup bell pepper, and 2 garlic cloves in 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes.
3. Add 2 tbsp butter, melt, then stir in 3 tbsp flour.
4. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups broth and 1 cup milk. Simmer until thick.
5. Stir in 1 cup cheddar, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine sauce with 1 lb shrimp and 1 cup cooked rice.
7. Transfer to the dish, top with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and bake 25–30 minutes.
8. Garnish with 1/4 cup parsley and serve warm.

Quick, flavorful, and perfect for any dinner table.

You Must Know about Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Before diving into this recipe, here are a few key things to know that’ll help you get the best results:

• Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Avoid cooking shrimp straight from frozen—it releases water and can make the casserole watery. Thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for 10–15 minutes.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, and since they continue cooking in the oven, they only need a short bake time. If they’re pre-cooked too long before baking, they’ll become rubbery.
• The type of rice matters. Use cooked white or brown rice, but avoid instant rice. Day-old rice works great because it holds up better in the creamy sauce.
• Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For a creamier sauce, shred fresh cheddar.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional. If you prefer a softer top, skip the breadcrumbs or replace them with crushed butter crackers or panko.
• No alcohol, pork, or salami. This recipe is 100% family-friendly and safe for a wide variety of diets, with no need for wine or bacon to bring in flavor—herbs, spices, and fresh veggies do all the work.

Knowing these small but important tips will help you avoid common mistakes and deliver a casserole that’s flavorful, balanced, and texturally spot-on.

Perfecting the Cooking Process for Shrimp Casserole Recipe

To make sure your shrimp casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these quick pro tips:

• Balance the sauce. The creamy sauce should be thick but pourable. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour; if too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth.
• Even layering is key. When assembling, distribute the shrimp and rice evenly so every bite is well-balanced. This also helps everything cook consistently.
• Preheat for consistency. Always start with a fully preheated oven to ensure even baking. An uneven oven temp can lead to undercooked centers or over-browned edges.
• Let it rest after baking. Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
• Taste as you go. When seasoning your sauce, taste before assembling. The salt and spice levels should be adjusted before it hits the oven—once baked, it’s harder to fix.

With these cooking tips, your casserole will come out rich, bubbly, and delicious—every single time.

Add Your Touch

One of the best things about this shrimp casserole is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste, dietary needs, or what you already have in the kitchen.

Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the Veggies: Not a fan of bell peppers or celery? Try chopped mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat. For extra boldness, stir in a bit of your favorite hot sauce before baking.
• Switch the Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack (for spice) work beautifully. Use what you love or a combo for more flavor depth.
• Use Whole Grains: Want more fiber? Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked and cooled before mixing.
• Top It Differently: If breadcrumbs aren’t your thing, try crushed crackers or a light layer of shredded cheese for a gooey finish instead of a crispy one.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in fresh basil, chives, or dill just before serving for added brightness and flavor.

These customizations let you adjust this casserole to suit picky eaters, dietary needs, or simply switch things up week to week. No matter how you make it, it’s sure to be a satisfying, creamy comfort meal that’s as unique as your table.

Storing & Reheating for Shrimp Casserole Recipe

This shrimp casserole stores and reheats surprisingly well, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping or leftovers

Perfect recipes for busy weeknights.

How to Make Perfect Cajun Chicken Bites at Home

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, portion into airtight freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven (Best Option): Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover in the last few minutes if you want a crisp topping.
• Microwave: Heat in individual portions. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Avoid Overheating: Overheating can make shrimp rubbery. For best results, heat until just warmed through and not boiling.

Handled right, this casserole tastes just as good the next day—maybe even better, as the flavors deepen over time.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Whether you’re new to casseroles or a weeknight dinner pro, these tips will help you nail this shrimp dish with ease and confidence:

Discover more quick and easy dinner ideas

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes at Home

1. Dry the Shrimp Well

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before adding them to the mix. This helps prevent excess water from watering down the creamy sauce during baking.

2. Use Day-Old Rice

Leftover rice from the night before works better than freshly made rice because it’s firmer and absorbs the sauce nicely without turning mushy.

3. Don’t Skip the Roux

When making the sauce, cook the flour and butter for at least 1 minute before adding liquids. This gets rid of the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce properly.

4. Watch the Bake Time

Shrimp cook fast, even in the oven. To avoid rubbery texture, bake just until the shrimp are opaque and pink—usually 25–30 minutes is perfect.

5. Let It Rest

After baking, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. It thickens, sets up better, and is easier to serve without falling apart.

6. Garnish at the End

Fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and fresh flavor that balances out the richness.

These simple tips help you get a perfect creamy, savory casserole every time—with minimal effort.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before using to avoid extra liquid in your casserole.

Try this delicious twist on a classic favorite

How to Make One Pot French Onion Pasta (No Wine Needed!)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp can overcook and become rubbery during baking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written (due to flour and breadcrumbs), but you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it suitable.

Q: Can I substitute another protein?
Yes—chicken or even firm tofu works well. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Q: What can I use instead of milk?
You can use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just choose one without added flavor or sugar.

Conclusion

This shrimp casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—without needing pork, salami, or any alcohol-based ingredients. Simple pantry staples and fresh shrimp come together to create a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it out, share it with loved ones, and let us know how yours turns out!