Imagine a dish that brings the soul of Louisiana right to your dinner table - a mouthwatering Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo Casserole that combines the rich, bold flavors of Creole cuisine in one irresistible bake. This isn't just another casserole; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a symphony of vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sliced smoked sausage until it develops a nice golden color, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Layer the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the browned sausage over the rice, then arrange the raw shrimp on top of the sausage.
- Pour the vegetable and broth mixture evenly over the shrimp and sausage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
Tips
- Choose high-quality shrimp and smoked sausage for the best flavor profile. Fresh, large shrimp and a good Andouille sausage can elevate this dish significantly.
- Don't skip browning the sausage - this step adds incredible depth of flavor to the entire casserole.
- For extra heat, adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicy, add a bit more; if you prefer mild, reduce the amount.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, and ensure it's cooked perfectly before layering in the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken - this makes a huge difference in taste and presentation.
- If you want a crispy top, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or cheese during the final 10 minutes of uncovered baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 250mg
