When you combine the flavors of the coast with the spices of the South, you get a hearty Cajun sensation otherwise known as the Down By the Bay Casserole. This coastal collaboration is unlike any other: the pink, tender shrimp swim in a cheesy, creamy, veggie and rice-filled bake. It has a little kick of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat and give you that full Southern experience. Ready in a little over an hour, Down By the Bay Casserole is about to give your tastebuds a real comfort food adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, uncooked, peeled, and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 12 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/3 cups fat-free milk
- 3 cups brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, reduced-fat, and divided
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 2 –Coat a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of the butter until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 –Transfer the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5 –In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, the green peppers, and the onions in the remaining butter until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6 –Stir the flour, the salt, and the cayenne into the veggie mixture.
Step 7 –Gradually add the milk until blended.
Step 8 –Bring the veggie mixture to a boil, cook while stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 9 –Add the rice, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and the cooked shrimp to the veggie mixture and stir until combined.
Step 10 –Pour the shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
Step 11 –Bake until the casserole is heated through, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 12 –Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, cover, and let stand until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Step 13 –Serve.
