If you love dishes that are packed with flavor and steeped in southern charm, you are going to adore this Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe. This hearty casserole brings together tender shrimp, the uniquely textured mirliton, and a medley of aromatic vegetables all layered with perfectly seasoned ground meat and crispy bread topping. It is a celebration of Cajun cuisine that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal. The vibrant yet cozy combination makes it an unforgettable dish you’ll be eager to make time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element contributes a distinct texture, flavor, or color that ultimately builds a satisfying and harmonious casserole.
- Mirlitons (2½ lbs): Also called chayote squash, they add a tender, subtly sweet texture that carries the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Shrimp (1 lb, 51/60 size): Bite-sized shrimp bring a fresh, briny note that perfectly complements the smoky and spicy components.
- Liquid crab boil (1 tsp): Adds a subtle oceanic seasoning to the shrimp, elevating their natural taste.
- Seasoned ground meat (1 lb, beef or chicken): Provides savory richness and hearty substance to the casserole’s filling.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Offers sweetness and depth when cooked down with peppers and celery.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Brings bright color and a gentle crunch, balancing the creamier ingredients.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds a whisper of freshness and texture to the medley of vegetables.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that bold, fragrant punch synonymous with Cajun fare.
- Vinegar-based hot sauce (1 tbsp): Provides tang and spice that wake up the entire dish with a lively kick.
- Cajun seasoning (to taste): The soul of this casserole, delivering the perfect blend of spices for authentic flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): To season perfectly and enhance all the vibrant tastes.
- French bread (4 cups, cubed and stale or oven-dried): Gives the casserole a hearty body and helps soak up the flavorful juices.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Used on top for that irresistible golden, crunchy crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish and beautifully browns during baking.
How to Make Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mirlitons
Start by boiling the whole mirlitons for 45 to 60 minutes, until they are fork-tender. This step softens the tough squash so it blends smoothly into the casserole. Once cooked and cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds and tough core, and chop the flesh into bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures each morsel carries plenty of flavor and the right texture.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Briefly soak the shrimp in water seasoned with liquid crab boil to infuse subtle seafood seasoning. Then sauté the shrimp in butter until they turn just pink—overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye. Remove the shrimp from heat to preserve their tender, juicy bite.
Step 3: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the seasoned ground meat of your choice, letting those savory juices develop fully. Add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften and become fragrant—this creates a flavor base that’s truly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, mix the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, and the meat-vegetable mixture. Add the cubed French bread, vinegar-based hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined—the bread cubes will soak up the flavorful juices and hold the mixture together perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Top the surface with a generous layer of breadcrumbs and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over it. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake the Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe
Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling. This final step melds all the wonderful flavors and textures into one mouthwatering, comforting casserole.
How to Serve Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each serving. A dash of extra Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can turn up the heat if you love a spicier experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light, crisp side salad to balance the hearty richness. Traditional southern-style sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables also complement the dish perfectly, providing variety in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh herbs. You could also accompany the casserole with warm crusty French bread or buttery cornbread to soak up every last bite of those delicious flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to three days, making for convenient and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole after baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will maintain its quality for up to two months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the delightful crispy topping and avoids sogginess that can happen in the microwave, ensuring every bite tastes fresh and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood or protein?
Absolutely! While shrimp adds a wonderful coastal flavor, you can use crab meat, crawfish tails, or even firm white fish chunks. For a non-seafood version, extra seasoned ground chicken or sausage makes a tasty alternative.
What if I can’t find mirlitons at my local store?
If mirlitons aren’t available, chayote squash is a great substitute as they are essentially the same ingredient. Alternatively, you can try zucchini or yellow squash, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How spicy is this Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe?
The level of spiciness is adjustable depending on your preference. The vinegar-based hot sauce and Cajun seasoning provide moderate heat, but you can ease up or increase the amounts as you desire for a milder or bolder kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the assembly stage and refrigerate the casserole covered for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it includes French bread and breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread cubes and gluten-free breadcrumbs—both are widely available and work well in this casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe is such a delightful way to bring a taste of Cajun Southern cooking into your home kitchen. It’s full of personality, layers of flavor, and comforting textures that make it a true crowd-pleaser. I urge you to give this recipe a try and let the irresistible blend of shrimp, mirliton, and Cajun spices become one of your favorite go-to dishes for family dinners or holiday celebrations. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Shrimp and Mirliton Cajun Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a comforting Cajun-inspired dish that combines tender boiled mirlitons, sautéed shrimp, seasoned ground meat, and aromatic vegetables with crispy bread cubes. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal serving eight.
Ingredients
Mirliton Preparation
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium)
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb seasoned ground meat (beef or chicken)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Mirlitons: Boil the whole mirlitons for 45–60 minutes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, cool them, peel off the skin, remove the seeds and the tough core, then chop the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Soak the shrimp briefly in water seasoned with liquid crab boil to enhance flavor. Then sauté the shrimp in butter over medium heat until they turn just pink; avoid overcooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the seasoned ground meat thoroughly. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook together until the vegetables soften and release their aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mirliton, cooked shrimp, and the meat-vegetable mixture. Add the cubed French bread, vinegar-based hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to integrate all components evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly. Spread the combined mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Using stale or oven-dried French bread ensures the bread cubes hold their texture instead of becoming soggy.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Mirlitons are also known as chayote squash; if unavailable, a mild winter squash could be a substitute but will alter the flavor.
