Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies Recipe

This Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies is an absolute weeknight game changer—colorful, packed with juicy shrimp, brimming with fresh veggies, and loaded with savory Mediterranean flavor, all nestled in tender rice. It’s hearty, nourishing, and comes together remarkably easily for a meal that tastes like a cozy hug (with zero guilt!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple—and how important!—each ingredient is in this Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies. Every veggie, grain, and sprinkle of cheese brings its own personality to the flavors, textures, and rainbow colors in your casserole dish.

• Long grain white rice (basmati): The fluffy, aromatic base soaks up all the saucy goodness and keeps the dish pleasantly light.
• Shrimp (pre-cooked or raw): Juicy, lean protein that cooks up tender and slightly sweet—buying pre-cooked makes this even faster!
• Olive oil: Rich and heart-healthy, this adds a beautiful silkiness to your sauteed veggies.
• Garlic & yellow onion: These aromatic superstars build the flavor foundation and make the kitchen smell incredible while you cook.
• Bell peppers: Choose your favorite colors! They add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a little crunch.
• Oregano, chili powder, & cumin: This spice trio gives a warm, savory, and slightly smoky kick that makes everything pop.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t forget to season as you go! Adjust to taste so each bite is perfectly balanced.
• Baby spinach: Wilts down to a tender, vitamin-packed green layer that melts right into the rice.
• Tomato sauce (marinara): Makes the casserole beautifully saucy and tangy, and gives that Italian-ish comfort food vibe.
• Feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and delightfully tangy when broiled on top—use block feta for the dreamiest crumbles.
• Fresh basil (for garnish): Optional, but this fragrant herb brings a fresh, vibrant finish that’s irresistible.

Variations

The best casseroles are the ones you can tweak based on what’s hanging out in your fridge. Don’t hesitate to make Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies truly your own—easy substitutions and swaps are part of the magic!

• Use brown rice or quinoa: Sub in brown rice or cooked quinoa for extra fiber and a fun nutty flavor twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen peas for even more color, nutrition, and texture.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap feta for your favorite plant-based cheese, or simply sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a savory finish.
• Boost the spice: Love a kick? Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for spicy vibes!
• Try a different protein: Chicken, white beans, or even tofu are all delicious alternatives if you’re not feeling shrimp tonight.

How to Make Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing your basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and gives you those perfect, fluffy grains. Cook according to the package directions (usually about 15-20 minutes), then fluff with a fork and set aside while you get the other layers ready.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Spices

While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. After a couple of minutes, sprinkle in the oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for about 7 minutes until the peppers are tender and the kitchen smells amazing. Toss in the baby spinach and stir until it’s wilted—just a minute or two.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp (if using raw)

If you’re using raw shrimp, push the veggies aside, and use that same pan! Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Work in batches if needed so every piece gets a quick sear. If your shrimp is already cooked, skip this part altogether—so easy!

Step 4: Assemble & Toss

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer all the sautéed veggies (and shrimp, if you cooked it separately) into a large casserole dish. Add in the fluffed rice and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a generous toss so the sauce and spices coat every bite.

Step 5: Top with Feta & Bake

Break up the feta cheese and scatter all over the top of your casserole. Bake for about 20 minutes, until it’s bubbly, golden on the edges, and the cheese is just slightly melted and starting to brown. The flavors meld together delectably at this stage!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Pull your beautiful Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies from the oven. Shower with freshly chopped basil and a crack of pepper if you want a little extra lift. Serve hot—and enjoy every colorful, satisfying forkful!

How to Serve Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies

Garnishes

This vibrant casserole is only made better with a shower of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A bit of lemon zest or an extra crumble of feta adds a tangy, creamy finish that pops—the perfect touch if you want it to look restaurant-ready and taste extra-bright!

Side Dishes

Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies is filling enough on its own, but a crisp green salad or a batch of garlic bread really rounds out the meal. For an even lighter touch, try roasted asparagus, lemony steamed broccoli, or simply sliced cucumbers tossed in olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into ovenproof ramekins for personal servings—they look so charming and feel extra special for guests! Or, serve it family style straight from the bubbling casserole dish, letting everyone help themselves. It’s also beautiful spooned into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for a playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies are a lifesaver! Simply transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. You’ll be set for quick lunches or speedy dinners for up to three days, and the flavors seem to get even better overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra portions, let the casserole cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Take note: while the texture of the shrimp and feta might change slightly, the rice and veggies will remain delicious and satisfying!

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions for a couple of minutes, or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for even warming, and add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to keep things moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about gathering everyone around the table for a hearty, colorful casserole that’s as good for you as it is comforting. I hope you give this Healthy Shrimp Rice Casserole With Veggies a spot in your dinner routine—it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll be craving again and again!

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