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Shrimp Rice Casserole with Veggies and Feta Recipe

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4.3 from 27 reviews

This Shrimp Rice Casserole with Veggies is a flavorful and comforting baked dish that combines tender shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices with fluffy basmati rice, all topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and showcases a delightful blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Rice

  • 1 cup long grain white rice, dry (preferably basmati)

Shrimp

  • 1 pound shrimp, thawed, tails and shells removed (pre-cooked shrimp can be used)

Vegetables and aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, cored and chopped
  • 3 cups baby spinach

Spices and seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 cups tomato sauce (such as marinara)
  • 5 ounces (150 grams) feta cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook it according to package directions, which should take about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy.
  2. Preheat oven: While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
  3. Sauté vegetables and spices: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell peppers along with oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Sauté for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Then add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
  4. Cook shrimp (if using raw shrimp): Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large casserole dish. Using the same pan, cook the shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. If using pre-cooked shrimp, you can skip this step and add shrimp directly to the casserole dish in the next step.
  5. Combine ingredients in casserole dish: In the large casserole dish, combine the cooked vegetables, cooked rice, shrimp, and 2 cups of tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together well to evenly distribute all ingredients. Crumble the feta cheese on top of the casserole mixture.
  6. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The feta cheese should slightly melt and start to brown, and the entire dish should be heated through thoroughly.
  7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Add extra black pepper if desired, and serve the casserole hot for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

  • If using pre-cooked shrimp, skip the shrimp cooking step and add directly to the casserole dish.
  • You can substitute the white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time as needed.
  • For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili powder.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the tomato sauce or marinara you use does not contain gluten ingredients.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat