If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in the ultimate comfort food with a twist of southern charm, this Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. This dish brings together tender mirlitons, succulent shrimp, and a perfectly seasoned ground meat and vegetable blend for a casserole that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and that special kind of warmth that only a home-cooked meal can deliver. Whether you’re family, friends, or just cozying up for a hearty dinner, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that invites you in with every fragrant bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right depends on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the mild sweetness of the mirlitons, the bite of fresh shrimp, or the crunchy topping—these ingredients come together to create a casserole that’s both satisfying and memorable.
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium): The star veggie that provides a mild, cucumber-like flavor and tender texture after cooking.
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized): Adds a sweet, briny pop and protein that elevates this dish.
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil: Infuses the shrimp with a subtle seafood seasoning.
- 1 lb seasoned ground meat (beef or chicken): Brings savory richness and heartiness to the casserole.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds color and a mild, earthy bite.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture contrast.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Lends aromatic warmth and a subtle punch.
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce: Gives just enough tang and heat to wake up the flavors.
- Cajun seasoning, to taste: A blend of spices that brings authentic southern flair and spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the elements.
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried): Adds texture and soaks up all those wonderful juices.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Creates a golden, crunchy topping for the bake.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes with a salty, nutty crust that pulls everything together.
How to Make Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mirlitons
Start by boiling the whole mirlitons for 45 to 60 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooled, peel off the skin, carefully scoop out the seeds and the tough core, then chop the flesh into bite-sized pieces. This prep ensures the mirliton melts delightfully into the casserole while maintaining a pleasant texture.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
While the mirlitons are cooking, soak your shrimp briefly in water seasoned with the liquid crab boil—it’s like a flavor bath that infuses each shrimp with a hint of zest. Then, sauté them in butter just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them. Set the shrimp aside to keep their tender, juicy texture intact for the casserole.
Step 3: Cook Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat until it’s fully cooked and flavorful. Add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the veggies soften and give off their fragrant aroma that melds beautifully with the meat. This mixture forms the savory backbone of the casserole.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the chopped mirlitons, succulent shrimp, meat and veggie sauté, cubed bread, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step is where all those individual flavors blend into a harmonious, rich filling that’s ready to transform into a cozy casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread your mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch, followed by a shower of grated Parmesan to add a golden, cheesy crust once baked. The layers here create a perfect bite every time.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden and bubbly, signaling that all those incredible flavors have melded into something truly special. Let it cool just a bit before serving to let everything settle.
How to Serve Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, baked casserole. A little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side can give guests the option to customize their bite with more brightness or heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs magnificently with crisp green salads, garlic roasted vegetables, or even some buttery cornbread for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful goodness. It’s comforting and filling on its own, but these sides round out the meal with balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also turn it into a buffet-style dish by layering it in a shallow casserole and letting guests help themselves, garnishing with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors actually deepen overnight, so reheated leftovers might be even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigeration to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze pre-baked, transfer the assembled dish to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. After baking, cool completely and freeze in portions for easy future meals—just wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy on top, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. For quick meals, microwaving works too, but the oven helps keep the breadcrumb topping crunchy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sauté nicely and don’t release excess water into the casserole.
What can I substitute if I can’t find mirlitons?
Chayote squash is a great substitute since it has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well in this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level depends on how much Cajun seasoning and hot sauce you add. You can easily adjust it to your preference—mild or boldly spicy!
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it; then bake right before serving for maximum freshness.
Does this recipe freeze well?
It freezes wonderfully! Just be sure to thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that feels like a warm hug, and this Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe is just that. It’s a beautiful blend of textures, flavors, and southern tradition crowned with a crispy, cheesy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as delightful and comforting on your table as it is on mine!
Print
Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a classic Cajun-inspired dish combining tender boiled mirlitons, succulent sautéed shrimp, and seasoned ground meat with aromatic vegetables. The mixture is layered with bread cubes and topped with Parmesan and breadcrumbs before being baked to a golden, bubbling perfection. Perfect for a comforting family meal serving 8 people.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Seafood
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium)
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb seasoned ground meat (beef or chicken)
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading and Topping
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter (for sautéing shrimp)
Instructions
- Prepare Mirlitons: Boil whole mirlitons for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. Once cool enough to handle, peel them, remove seeds and the tough core, and chop the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Soak shrimp briefly in water seasoned with liquid crab boil. Then sauté the shrimp in butter over medium heat until they turn just pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the seasoned ground meat over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook together until the vegetables soften and release their aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, meat and vegetable mixture, cubed French bread, vinegar-based hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the combined mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a crisp, flavorful topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot throughout. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure mirlitons are fully cooked and tender before chopping to avoid a tough texture in the casserole.
- Use stale or oven-dried French bread cubes to prevent sogginess in the final dish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce levels according to your heat preference.
- Butter is essential for sautéing shrimp to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
