Discover the ultimate Cajun shrimp and rice casserole that combines succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and bold spices in a creamy, comforting dish that brings Louisiana flavors to your dinner table.
Explore this delicious Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole that brings Southern spice to your table. As someone who loves discovering regional American specialties, I’ve adapted this Louisiana classic for busy home cooks who want authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Find Here
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Authentic Louisiana Flavors
First, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine. Moreover, the blend of spices creates that distinctive Cajun kick that makes this dish so memorable.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Additionally, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole comes together in under an hour. Therefore, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Impressive yet Simple
Furthermore, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Consequently, you’ll impress family and friends with minimal effort.
Versatile Spice Level
Similarly, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole allows you to adjust the heat level. Thus, everyone in the family can enjoy it according to their spice preference.
Ingredients
Essential Casserole Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw shrimp | 1 pound, peeled and deveined |
| Long-grain white rice | 1½ cups, uncooked |
| Chicken or seafood broth | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 ounces) |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium, diced |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cajun Seasoning Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Green onions | 3, sliced (for garnish) |
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook rice according to package directions, then set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté bell pepper, onion, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add broth and milk, whisking until sauce thickens.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and ½ cup cheese, stirring until melted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shrimp, and sauce mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Cooking Timeline
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven and cook rice | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Prepare vegetables and seasoning | 10 minutes |
| 3 | Cook shrimp and make sauce | 15 minutes |
| 4 | Combine and bake | 25 minutes |
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 425
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole. Additionally, andouille sausage can replace or complement the shrimp for more traditional flavor. Furthermore, different proteins like chicken or crawfish work well.
How to Adjust Spice Level
Reduce or increase cayenne pepper in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole to control heat. Moreover, add hot sauce to individual servings for customization. Therefore, everyone can enjoy this dish at their preferred spice level.
Serving Ideas
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad to balance the richness. Additionally, it complements other comfort dishes like cheesy green bean casserole. Furthermore, it works alongside sweet potato casserole recipes for holiday spreads.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Therefore, you can enjoy this dish beyond the initial meal.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Moreover, add a splash of broth to restore moisture. Consequently, your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole will taste freshly made.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the shrimp initially, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Additionally, avoid skipping the holy trinity (bell pepper, onion, celery) which provides authentic flavor. Therefore, following these tips ensures perfect Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole every time.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole FAQs
How do you make Cajun shrimp and rice casserole?
To make Cajun shrimp and rice casserole, first cook rice and set aside. Additionally, sauté shrimp briefly, then prepare a sauce with the holy trinity of vegetables (bell pepper, onion, celery) and Cajun spices. Therefore, combining everything with a creamy cheese sauce and baking creates the perfect Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole.
What spices give it the Cajun flavor?
The key spices that give Cajun flavor include paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Additionally, the holy trinity of vegetables (bell pepper, onion, celery) forms the flavor base. Therefore, these essential elements create the authentic taste in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole.
Can you use cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp for this recipe, but add them at the end to prevent overcooking. Additionally, reduce the initial baking time by 5 minutes since the shrimp are already cooked. Therefore, when using pre-cooked shrimp in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking.
What sides go well with Cajun shrimp and rice casserole?
Cajun shrimp and rice casserole pairs well with simple sides like a crisp green salad, cornbread, or steamed vegetables. Additionally, it complements other casseroles like broccoli and cheese casserole. Therefore, lighter sides help balance the rich flavors of this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole.
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Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to your dinner table with minimal effort. With its perfect blend of spices, tender shrimp, and creamy rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. For more comforting side dishes, try the pimento cheese potato bake or explore cheesy broccoli and rice bake for variety. Enjoy creating delicious memories with this spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole | Easy Louisiana Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Spicy Cajun shrimp and rice casserole with succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and bold Louisiana spices in a creamy cheese sauce. The perfect Southern comfort food that brings authentic flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken or seafood broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook rice according to package directions, then set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté bell pepper, onion, and celery until softened.
6. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Gradually add broth and milk, whisking until sauce thickens.
9. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
10. Add heavy cream and ½ cup cheese, stirring until melted.
11. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shrimp, and sauce mixture.
12. Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
14. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 8 ounces of andouille sausage, sliced and browned with the vegetables.
You can use brown rice instead of white, but increase the broth by ¼ cup and cooking time by 10 minutes.
To make ahead, prepare the casserole without baking and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
