Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe – Cozy Ocean Flavors in a Simple Dish

Introduction

The smell of butter, lemon, and warm seafood drifting through the house — that’s what I think of when I make Crab and Shrimp Casserole on a chilly evening. It always pulls me back to Sunday dinners with my family, when everyone lingered at the table while the casserole steamed and browned. If you love comforting, slightly nostalgic food, then this dish will feel like a warm hug. Also, if you’re curious about other cozy casseroles, I like to pair it with lighter sides or try variations inspired by recipes like Cheesy Bacon and Hash Brown Casserole for a very indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can feed a crowd without fuss.
• Comforting homemade flavor, with creamy seafood notes and a crunchy top.
• Made with simple ingredients you might already have.
• Great for any occasion — weeknights, holidays, or potlucks.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; people come back for seconds.

Also, if you want another family-style casserole, try a cheesy chicken option like Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for a different weeknight favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted — Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

If you’d like a stuffing-like twist, this shares friendly vibes with Chicken and Stuffing Casserole while staying light and seafood-forward.

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, gather your ingredients so nothing gets left behind.
2. In a large bowl, place the lump crab meat and the peeled, deveined shrimp. Then add the cooked rice and shredded cheddar.
3. Next, spoon in the mayonnaise and sour cream. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and both bell peppers. Mix gently, because you want the crab to stay in nice chunks.
4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, and sprinkle the Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything looks creamy and well combined. You’ll smell the lemon and Old Bay come alive here.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. You’ll notice a soft, slightly lumpy texture — that’s perfect.
6. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Then sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the casserole so it browns nicely.
7. Bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole bubbles at the edges. You’ll hear a soft sizzle when it’s ready.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, scatter the chopped parsley over the top for a bright finish.

If you love seafood, you might also enjoy the texture ideas in a Creamy Shrimp and Cod Skillet, which uses similar flavors but cooks a bit faster on the stove.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Use leftover rice or quick-cook rice to speed things up. If you have pre-cooked seafood, fold it in at the end to avoid overcooking.
• Fix for dryness: If the casserole seems dry after baking, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of mayo, then warm it briefly. This brings back the creamy texture.
• Flavor twist: Add a little smoked paprika or swap cheddar for Monterey Jack for a different, smoky note.

Serving Ideas

Serve this dish while it’s warm and steaming. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Also consider these pairings:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
• Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for texture contrast.
• Buttered dinner rolls or a crusty baguette to scoop up every last bit.

For a fun contrast, try a bright side like the 30-Minute Falafel Sandwich with Sweet Potato if you want a vegetarian plate alongside.

Storing & Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F so it warms evenly.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Leftover idea: Turn chilled leftovers into a warm sandwich or an open-faced melt; then add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Make it the day before, refrigerate, and then bake when guests arrive. It often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — swap rice for quinoa, or cheddar for a milder cheese. This recipe is very forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Serve Crab and Shrimp Casserole fresh from the oven, while it’s still warm and aromatic.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and bubbling centers; also listen for that soft sizzle — that’s your sign.

Final Thoughts

This recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes because it’s simple, soulful, and full of bright sea flavors. It always brings people together, and so, over time, Crab and Shrimp Casserole has felt like a small family tradition in my kitchen. I hope you make it, tweak it, and serve it to people you love — then come back and tell me which twist became your favorite. Give this Crab and Shrimp Casserole a try and let it warm your home the way it warms mine.

Conclusion

For more recipe inspiration or variations on seafood casseroles, you might enjoy this detailed take on Crab and Shrimp Casserole – Taste Of Recipe which offers another home-cook perspective. Also, if you want a slightly different spin on a seafood bake, check out Shrimp & Crab Seafood Casserole Recipe – From A Chef’s Kitchen for chef-tested tips and serving ideas.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole

A comforting casserole filled with lump crab meat, shrimp, creamy ingredients, and a crunchy topping that evokes nostalgia and warmth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Seafood Base

• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Casserole Mixture

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt to taste salt and pepper

Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted Use unsalted butter to control the salt.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, gather your ingredients so nothing gets left behind.
2. In a large bowl, place the lump crab meat and the peeled, deveined shrimp. Then add the cooked rice and shredded cheddar.
3. Next, spoon in the mayonnaise and sour cream. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and both bell peppers. Mix gently, because you want the crab to stay in nice chunks.
4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, and sprinkle the Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything looks creamy and well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

Baking

1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Then sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the casserole.
2. Bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole bubbles at the edges.
3. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Finally, scatter the chopped parsley over the top for a bright finish.

Notes

Use leftover rice or quick-cook rice to speed things up. If the casserole seems dry after baking, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of mayo, then warm it briefly. Consider adding smoked paprika or swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack for a different flavor.