Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 3½ cups cooked basmati rice
03 - ½ cup butter
04 - 10 oz bag frozen onion and pepper blend
05 - 2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
06 - 1½ teaspoons minced garlic

→ Seasonings

07 - ¼ teaspoon celery salt
08 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
09 - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Base

10 - 10.5 oz can condensed golden mushroom soup
11 - 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the frozen onion and pepper blend, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Toss to coat with butter and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
02 - Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and stir to incorporate with the vegetables. Sprinkle the celery salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper evenly over everything. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
03 - Stir in both cans of condensed soup and the cooked basmati rice. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not too thick.
04 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more Cajun seasoning for heat, black pepper for depth, or celery salt for savory flavor. The seasoning should be well-balanced with a nice Cajun kick.
05 - Transfer the entire mixture to a greased casserole dish, scraping the skillet to get every bit. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
06 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 2 minutes to set up and thicken slightly. Ladle into bowls or serve on plates while hot. The texture should be creamy and rich with tender shrimp throughout.

# Notes:

01 - Always use raw shrimp - cooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery when baked
02 - Cook rice ahead of time and let it cool slightly before adding to prevent mushiness
03 - Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra nutrition
04 - This recipe doubles easily for feeding a crowd or potluck dinners
05 - Try fiesta nacho cheese soup instead of regular cheddar for extra spice and flavor