When I first made shrimp casserole, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. My family had been craving something tasty but also nourishing, and I saw shrimp casserole as a chance to deliver just that. I found the recipe tucked away in a friend’s handwritten cookbook, and it promised a creamy shrimp casserole that could satisfy everyone’s taste buds while sneaking in wholesome ingredients. My kids’ reactions surprised me—they actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew shrimp casserole wasn’t just a treat; it was a smart nutrition win for our busy household.
Shrimp casserole quickly became a staple in our weekly meal rotation because it supports our family’s health goals without overwhelming my kitchen time. With seafood’s lean protein and vitamins, it adds variety beyond the usual chicken or beef dishes. Plus, this shrimp casserole is creamy and comforting, perfect for those evenings when I want something both simple and nourishing.
Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe to suit picky eaters and nutritional needs — like adding extra veggies or using lower-fat dairy. For fellow busy moms juggling after-school craziness and meal planning, this easy shrimp casserole recipe offers a peaceful solution. If you seek nourishing chaos tamed on your dinner table, stick around. I’ll share everything you need to create a shrimp casserole that your family will love and that supports your wellness journey. It’s practical, satisfying, and a true dinnertime nutrition win.
If you’re curious about similar family-friendly dishes, you might want to peek at this broccoli cheese casserole and chicken zucchini casserole recipe from my blog. Both complement the simple nutrition approach we’re aiming for. You can also find inspiration in this cheesy green bean casserole that pairs well alongside any seafood bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s what I use to make a nutritious and comforting shrimp casserole every time. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple—busy moms deserve a straightforward recipe with wholesome ingredients!
- 1 ½ pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or quinoa if you want a nutrient boost)
- 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli (adds color and fiber; fresh or frozen is fine)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that cheesy goodness)
- 1 cup low-fat cream cheese (for creamy texture without too much fat)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (a nutrition hack I use instead of sour cream for extra protein)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional but adds crunch and vitamins)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (healthy fats for brain and heart health)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (for crispy topping)
If you don’t have cream cheese handy, no worries! I often swap in cottage cheese blended smooth for extra calcium and protein in our shrimp casserole. Or try a dairy-free cream cheese if needed. This shrimp and cheese casserole proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a healthy meal.
All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. I usually grab frozen shrimp and veggies to save time and money. Keeping pre-chopped veggies in the freezer is a real time-saver for making this baked shrimp dish on busy nights.
When my family is extra hungry, I toss in an extra cup of brown rice or add diced bell peppers for more nutrients. These little ingredient tweaks make a big difference in how much energy my crew has after school and activities.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to make this creamy shrimp casserole? Let’s make this simple and fun, step by step. Shrimp casserole doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’m here to walk you through my kitchen-tested method.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly. This helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, celery, and garlic until fragrant and softened—usually around 4 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling so comforting here.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink but aren’t fully cooked through. We’ll finish them in the oven.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and seasonings. This blend forms the creamy base of your shrimp casserole.
- Add cooked shrimp and sautéed veggies to the mixture. Stir gently so all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle whole wheat bread crumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. If your casserole doesn’t look super crispy, that’s okay—the nutrition is still there, and sometimes softer is better for little ones.
- While it bakes, take a quick moment to prep tomorrow’s lunch or breathe. Those small breaks keep the kitchen chaos manageable.
- Once baked, let your shrimp casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. The dish will firm up nicely and be easier for everyone to enjoy.
I remember struggling at first with the perfect bake time for this shrimp casserole. It’s easy to overcook shrimp, making them rubbery, so this timing has been a lifesaver. Also, mixing Greek yogurt into the creamy base was a nutrition hack I learned that made the casserole tangier and higher in protein without adding heaviness.
If you’re interested in more mild, creamy seafood bakes, Natasha’sKitchen offers a useful shrimp casserole video I refer to sometimes. For a cheesier twist, this cheese and shrimp pasta bake shared by Pati Jinich is also fantastic.
How We Love to Eat This!

This shrimp casserole truly shines when served with simple, fresh sides that complement its creamy texture. My kids devour it alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots, which adds extra fiber and vitamins to balance the meal.
For a special dinner, I pair it with a leafy green salad lightly dressed in lemon and olive oil. It’s an easy way to sneak in more greens without fuss. This pairing keeps the meal light yet filling, perfect for keeping siblings energized through homework and bedtime.
This recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners but also impresses when guests drop by unexpectedly. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It’s little touches like that which make this baked shrimp dish feel like a comforting family treat, even on busy evenings.
Leftovers? Yes, please! I pop them into lunches the next day, tossing in a handful of fresh baby spinach and reheating until just warmed. The spinach wilts slightly and boosts the nutrition without changing flavors much.
Seasonally, I swap broccoli for asparagus or peas in spring, which gives our casserole a fresh twist. We’ve also made it with cauliflower rice to cut down carbs, another simple nutrition tweak that my family welcomed.
This classic shrimp casserole reminds me a lot of other family favorites like the broccoli cheese casserole or the cheesy green bean casserole from my site. Both are crowd-pleasers that pair well with seafood bakes to keep your menu interesting and health focused.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this shrimp casserole nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The shrimp provides lean protein, essential for growth, while the broccoli and brown rice add fiber and vitamins. Greek yogurt ups the protein and calcium without extra fat. My kids have grown strong on meals like this.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy shrimp casserole?
A: I hear you! Start by serving it with familiar sides or blending the veggies finely in the mix. Sometimes adding more cheese or a little mild sauce helps ease picky eaters. Pairing the casserole with a kid-loved dish like my chicken zucchini casserole recipe can encourage tasting new flavors together.
Q: Can I meal prep this shrimp casserole for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! It keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes great. I often assemble the casserole in advance, then bake fresh on busy nights. Perfect sanity-saving nutrition.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Sure thing. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based yogurt alternative. Shrimp and vegetables will keep the protein and fiber intact.
Q: What if I don’t have brown rice?
A: No worries! Quinoa or whole grain pasta works fine. I’ve used both when I ran out of rice, and the casserole still came out creamy and satisfying.
Q: How can I make this casserole taste less heavy?
A: Try reducing the cream cheese a bit and adding more Greek yogurt or broth. Adding lemon zest or fresh herbs brightens the flavors.
Q: Is this dish safe for kids with shellfish allergies?
A: If you have shellfish allergies, swap shrimp for shredded chicken or turkey in the casserole for a similar nutrition profile and flavor balance.
Fellow nutrition-seekers, you’ll find that tweaking this shrimp casserole lets you keep your family’s nutrition goals front and center without complexity. If you want more easy casseroles, take a peek at this broccoli cheese casserole and cheesy green bean casserole from my collection — they’re family tested and loved.
Final Thoughts:
This shrimp casserole has become a cornerstone of our family’s nutrition routine because it’s easy, tasty, and packed with nutrients. It fits seamlessly with our wellness goals by delivering protein from shrimp, fiber from rice and veggies, and creamy satisfaction without extra junk.
Here are my shrimp casserole Nutrition Hacks you can try today:
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to boost protein and keep creaminess fresh.
- Use frozen pre-cut veggies for speed and extra nutrients year-round.
- Add an extra cup of brown rice or quinoa when appetites are big for longer-lasting energy.
We’ve enjoyed several family-tested versions: the classic shrimp and cheese casserole, a lighter seafood bake with cauliflower rice, and even a cheesy broccoli-studded shrimp casserole. My kids love the richer cheddar version, while my husband prefers the vegetable-packed bake.
Don’t hesitate to make this shrimp casserole your own. Adapt the ingredients, swap the veggies, or adjust the seasoning to match your family’s tastes and nutrition needs. The goal is dinnertime nutrition wins without adding stress.
I hope your kitchen finds a little calm and a lot of nourishment with this shrimp casserole. Remember, simple nutrition for busy families is possible—and delicious! You have all it takes to feed your loved ones well while staying sane. Happy cooking!
For more easy dinner ideas that support family nutrition, try this chicken zucchini casserole recipe or pair your shrimp casserole with a side like this broccoli cheese casserole. Another favorite is this cheesy green bean casserole — great for rounding out any meal.
For inspiration beyond my kitchen, here’s a simple seafood bake recipe with shrimp and a cheese and shrimp pasta bake that are crowd-pleasers. Plus, this ridiculously easy weeknight casserole idea might spark your next dinner win.
shrimp casserole
This creamy shrimp casserole combines tender shrimp, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shrimp, onion, celery, garlic, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and milk. Stir well to mix.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top before baking.

