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
Scale
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.
