Shrimp and Tomato Casserole

The word casserole gets a bad rap these days, but it shouldn’t. So many people look down upon casseroles, not realizing just how important they are and have been throughout history.

The word casserole comes from the French the word for saucepan, casse. Casseroles have been around for centuries, but it was the French who made them what they are today, back in the 13th century. The term “casserole” can refer to any dish prepared in a casserole dish—essentially a deep, wide baking dish—and baked in the oven. Casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. They include a wide variety of dishes, from all over the world. Because they are usually a combination of meats and proteins mixed with vegetables and/or starches all together in one pan, they were a way to provide much needed protein, but in a cheaper, more efficient way for people who were struggling financially. In the late 19th century, casseroles became popular as immigrants from diverse cultures brought their dishes to the New World. Casseroles provided affordable sustenance during the Depressions of the 1890s and 1930s and the shortage of food items during both World Wars. In the 1950s, the widespread use of oven-proof cookware and canned foods made casseroles a simple, quick and inexpensive way to feed the whole family. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices. Today, we know this as lasagna.

There are three main characteristics of a casserole.

1. Method: Casseroles get baked in the oven. While some are one-dish meals, the cooking process for many casseroles (especially macaroni casseroles) involves preparing one or more ingredients before combining everything in a casserole pan and baking. If you need to finish the dish on the stovetop, it’s probably not a casserole.
2. Vessel: You can use many different kinds of cookware for casserole recipes, provided they’re oven-safe. A cast-iron skillet could technically serve as a casserole dish since you can combine ingredients in it and then put it in the oven. Earthenware vessels are particularly popular for casseroles since they retain heat in the oven and look attractive as part of a tablescape.
3. Dish type: Casseroles are often hearty comfort foods. They can be main dishes, especially if they include a protein, or side dishes, like a classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole.

I had shrimp down from the freezer, and I wanted to make something different for dinner. So I made an Italian styled shrimp and tomato casserole. It was DELICIOUS!

Shrimp and Tomato Casserole

I created my own Italian styled shrimp casserole. First I started with a base recipe, then expanded upon it from there. I know! You’re all shocked! 🙂

1 1/2-2 lbs large shrimp or prawns, peeled deveined and rinsed

5 oz hearty bready, cubed

olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

1 1/2-2 lbs Campari tomatoes, diced

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed

1 TBSP garlic

1/4 cup chopped basil, + more for topping

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup shredded Jack or Mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 350* F or 180* C.

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Cube the bread into small bite-sized cubes and toss it in olive oil. Place in the oven to bake for about 10 minutes, or until it is nice and crispy.

Get a large skillet very hot, then add the olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until it is nice and fragrant.

Add the shrimp and cook until done, for about 5 minutes.

When the bread is crusty, combine it with the tomatoes, beans, basil, salt & pepper. Toss together well.

Pour it all into the prepared baking dish. Add the shrimp on top of the mixture.

Add the cheese on top and bake for about 20 minutes.

When done, add more of the chopped basil on top and serve. You can eat it alone, as is, which is often how a lot of casseroles were originally eaten. Or add your favorite side dishes to make it a heartier meal. Either way, I promise you are going to love it. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.