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Easy Seafood Casserole: A Comforting Meal in 30 Minutes

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Introduction

Craving a Quick and Hearty Seafood Dish? Try This Easy Seafood Casserole!

Seafood lovers, rejoice! This Easy Seafood Casserole is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Packed with fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and a deliciously cheesy topping, it’s the perfect comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this casserole is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your seafood cravings.

With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep work, this casserole is perfect for busy cooks who want to enjoy a homemade, seafood-rich dish without all the effort. Let's dive into this simple recipe that delivers amazing flavor, comfort, and speed!

easy seafood casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
✅ Simple pantry ingredients – No need for exotic or hard-to-find items
✅ Easily customizable – Swap out seafood, add veggies, or top with a crunchy breadcrumb layer
✅ Family-approved comfort food – Even picky eaters will love this creamy casserole
✅ One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or make your own)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup white wine (optional but adds great flavor)

Substitution Tips:

  • Use coconut milk or plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Swap the seafood for chicken or turkey if you prefer non-seafood options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

easy seafood casserole

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the seafood
    In a large pan, sauté the mixed seafood over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce
    In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, white wine, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the casserole
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, seafood, and sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish (9x13-inch works great).
  5. Add the cheese and breadcrumbs
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the casserole. Then, top with breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter.
  6. Bake the casserole
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  7. Serve and enjoy
    Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips:

  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Reheating Tips:

  • Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until hot throughout. You may need to cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning.

Variations:

  • Veggie Boost: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • Breadcrumb Topping: For a crunchier topping, use Panko breadcrumbs or mix breadcrumbs with a little parmesan for extra flavor.
  • No Seafood?: You can easily replace the seafood with chicken, turkey, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables for a hearty vegetarian casserole.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

easy seafood casserole

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
450 25g 30g 25g

Tip: Values are estimates based on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
✅ Yes, frozen seafood works great! Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.

❓ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
✅ Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready.

❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
✅ Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.

❓ What can I serve this casserole with?
✅ A fresh green salad or a side of steamed veggies would complement this dish perfectly. You could also serve it with a slice of crusty bread.

❓ Can I substitute the rice for something else?
✅ You can replace the rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even pasta if you prefer.

Conclusion

easy seafood casserole

This Easy Seafood Casserole is a must-try recipe that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for the family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

👉 Try it tonight and share your creations with us on Pinterest @SimpleRecipes!

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easy seafood casserole

Easy Seafood Casserole: A Comforting Meal in 30 Minutes

  • Author: sellie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Seafood Casserole is a perfect comfort food for seafood lovers. Packed with shrimp, scallops, and crab, this casserole is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you're craving a hearty seafood meal. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite seafood, veggies, or even a crunchy topping for added texture. A one-pan wonder that’s both easy and indulgent!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat, or any seafood of choice)

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

  • ½ cup diced onion

  • ½ cup diced celery

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ¼ cup white wine (optional for extra flavor)

Substitutions:

  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free casserole.

  • Rice-Free: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pasta.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Cook the seafood
    In a large skillet, sauté the mixed seafood over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Set aside.

  • Prepare the sauce
    In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the cream of mushroom soup, white wine, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Combine seafood and rice
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, seafood, and the prepared sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

  • Assemble the casserole
    Pour the seafood mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

  • Add cheese and breadcrumbs
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the casserole. Top with breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter.

  • Bake
    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

  • Serve
    Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.

  • Variations: Add some veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

  • Crunchy Top: For an extra crunchy topping, mix some Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Seafood
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (out of 6)
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: seafood casserole, shrimp casserole, easy seafood recipe, creamy seafood casserole, baked seafood dish

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