Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice or pasta, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until well combined. Add the cooked shrimp mixture to the bowl and fold everything together. At this point, you can add in some of the shredded cheese, reserving the rest for the top.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the shrimp mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using paprika or cayenne pepper, you can add it to this mixture for a bit of extra flavor. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If you like a crispier topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the casserole warm, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
ENJOY AND PLEASE SHARE THIS RECIPE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR MORE EASY RECIPESTHANK YOU SO MUCH
