Shrimp Seafood Casserole Recipe: The ultimate Make-Ahead Dish

cream of mushroom soup

🥗Healthier: homemade mushroom sauce

💰Cheaper: cream of chicken soup

Homemade sauce can reduce sodium and additives.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

crab meat

🥗Healthier: imitation crab

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Imitation crab is more affordable and has a similar texture.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: frozen shrimp

Frozen shrimp can be more cost-effective.

Grease a 12x8 inch casserole dish.

Lay frozen tater tots evenly across the dish and set aside.

Slice one small onion and 1/4 of a bell pepper.

Chop 3 cloves of garlic and fresh green onions.

Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to a pan on medium heat and sauté the onions.

Add thyme to the onions as they caramelize, stirring occasionally.

Add the bell peppers to the pan and sauté.

Add 1 tsp of basil and 1 tsp of oregano to the mixture.

Add 3 cloves of crushed garlic to the sautéed peppers and onions and stir for 1-2 minutes.

Add 1 tbsp of butter to the pan and then add 300 g of shrimp.

Add 1 tsp of Old Bay seasoning to the shrimp and stir gently.

After about a minute, add crab meat to the shrimp and mix gently.

Set the seafood mixture aside.

In a saucepan on low heat, add 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup of milk, whisking vigorously.

Add another cup of milk and return to low heat, stirring until creamy and smooth for an additional 3 minutes.

Optionally add 1/4 tsp of nutmeg (not added in this case).

Add 1 tsp of all-purpose seasoning and 1 tsp of lemon juice to the seafood mixture and stir.

Combine the seafood mixture with the sauce until fully incorporated.

Add a layer of shredded cheese to the tater tots.

In a bowl, combine 2 cups of milk, 4 eggs, and all seasonings, whisking until combined.

Add the seafood mixture to the tater tots and cheese.

Pour the egg and milk mixture over the casserole.

Reserve some seafood mixture for topping (optional).

Add the remaining cheese on top.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Top with crispy calamari if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens