This Fajita Shrimp Casserole is a fun and tasty dish! It combines shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and spices all baked together for a warm and hearty meal.
The best part? It’s like a fiesta in a dish! I love how easy it is to make and how it fills the kitchen with delicious smells. A side of rice makes it perfect for dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture. If you’re allergic or don’t like shrimp, try chicken or tofu instead. Both absorb flavors well!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds color and sweetness. If you can’t find one color, you can use any single type, or throw in some poblano or jalapeño for a little heat.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for that fajita flavor. Don’t have these? Try taco seasoning for a quick substitute. It works beautifully!
Cheese: Cheddar and Mexican blend cheese gives a gooey finish. If you want lighter options, use a reduced-fat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version, using nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess! You can replace it with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How Can I Cook Perfectly Tender Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they turn rubbery if overcooked. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure to toss them in spices before cooking — this helps flavor them while ensuring they cook evenly.
- Cook shrimp only for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat. They turn pink and curl up when done.
- Remove them from the heat immediately once they’re cooked, as they’ll continue cooking in the casserole.
Fajita Shrimp Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for layering)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fajita Shrimp Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese gets all melty and delicious.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds so much flavor! Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the veggies.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, throw in the colorful bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender but still vibrant. Yum!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the seasoned shrimp to your skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up. Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Layer Your Casserole:
If you’re using rice, spread it evenly in a casserole dish. Then, layer the shrimp and veggie mixture on top of the rice, spreading it out so everything is nicely distributed.
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Dollop the sour cream or Mexican crema over the top of the casserole for extra creaminess. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over it all. It’s going to be good!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a lovely touch. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your casserole for added zest.
This dish combines the smoky, spiced flavors of fajitas with tender shrimp and colorful peppers in a delightful, cheesy casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for dinner. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for faster results. Pat them dry before seasoning for the best texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize with other favorites! Zucchini, corn, or spinach would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for harder vegetables like zucchini to ensure everything is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The spice level is mild, primarily from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer it spicier, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the amount of chili powder. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the spices entirely!
