Description
This Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and basmati rice, all baked together with tomato sauce and topped with melted feta cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it balances spices and fresh ingredients for a satisfying one-dish dinner.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice, dry (basmati recommended)
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, tails and shells removed (pre-cooked preferred)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium bell peppers, cored and chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups tomato sauce (such as marinara)
- 5 ounces feta cheese (150 grams)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water and cook it according to the package instructions, typically about 15-20 minutes, until tender and fluffy.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook veggies: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once heated, sauté the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell peppers along with oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for about 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the spices are fragrant. Add in the baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Cook shrimp (if raw): If you are using raw shrimp, transfer the cooked veggies into a large casserole dish. Then, in the same pan, cook the shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, working in batches if necessary. If using pre-cooked shrimp, skip this step.
- Combine in casserole dish: Add the cooked vegetables, cooked rice, shrimp, and tomato sauce to the casserole dish. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine well. Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and slightly brown while the whole dish gets heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Add extra pepper if desired and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- SERVINGS: This recipe yields 4-6 servings as a main meal, depending on portion size and appetite. Nutrition facts are based on 4 servings.
- LEFTOVERS: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal without losing texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
