Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole

Introduction

When you want a dish that delivers layers of flavor, melts in your mouth, and uses simple ingredients, the Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is your answer. Packed with succulent shrimp, bubbling cheese, and a medley of tender veggies, this casserole shines as a comforting main course for family dinners or special gatherings. It’s sure to garner rave reviews, thanks to its creamy texture and irresistible golden topping.

Deliciously Unique Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole

What makes this cheesy shrimp casserole outstanding is the way it elevates everyday ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. The blend of sharp cheeses enhances the sweet tenderness of the shrimp, while the casserole form makes for a convenient, one-pan dish that’s both impressive and practical.

Preparing the Perfect Cheesy Shrimp Base

For the base, start with fresh or thawed shrimp—peeled and deveined for convenience. Pair these with sautéed garlic, onions, and bell peppers for depth of flavor. A creamy béchamel sauce, spiked with garlic powder and paprika, creates a luscious bed for the shrimp. Mix in your cheese blend and let everything meld before baking. The finishing touch: a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and more cheese for that signature bubbly, golden top.

Assembling Your Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole

After preparing your base, layer the mixture into a baking dish and even it out for consistent cooking. Top generously with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake until the cheese is golden and the shrimp are just cooked through—watch for bubbling edges and a tempting aroma that signals it’s ready.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Cheesy Shrimp Casserole

Serve your casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair with a crisp green salad and a slice of rustic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. This casserole also works beautifully as a hearty brunch or potluck contribution.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 servings. Each portion typically contains approximately 400 to 450 calories, with plenty of protein from the shrimp and satiety-boosting fats from the cheese and cream. Enjoy it as a filling main dish with balanced sides for a complete meal.

Deliciously Unique Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole (Recap)

This casserole takes all the heartwarming richness you love in a baked dish and infuses it with the delicate sweetness of shrimp and a trio of cheeses. The bubbling top and creamy center make this comfort food at its finest.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the shrimp, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook just until the shrimp start to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes (they will finish cooking in the oven). Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside; keep veggies in the pan.
4. Sprinkle flour over the remaining vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened—about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat, then mix in 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and peas (if using). Fold in the cooked shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar.
7. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is a stellar addition to your weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which nights to make it and automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all ingredients needed for your week.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient amounts across your weekly recipes
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store sections
• Helps avoid duplicate buying and missing items
• Simplifies meal prep and makes kitchen management hassle free

Pro tip: If your week includes other cheese- or seafood-based dishes, schedule all relevant recipes together to streamline shopping and prep—minimizing food waste and making cooking more efficient.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes