Description
This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Southern dish combining tender mirlitons, succulent shrimp, and seasoned ground meat with aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this casserole offers a comforting blend of textures and tastes that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Proteins
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium)
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
- 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 Sauces
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread and Cheese
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Mirlitons: Boil whole mirlitons for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool, then peel off the skin, remove the seeds and tough core, and chop the flesh into pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Soak the shrimp briefly in water seasoned with liquid crab boil to infuse flavor. Then sauté the shrimp in butter over medium heat until they turn just pink, indicating they are cooked through. Remove them from heat and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the seasoned ground meat until fully cooked. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables become soft and aromatic.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, the meat and vegetable mixture, cubed bread, vinegar-based hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients and flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the combined mixture evenly into it. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling hot. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure mirlitons are fully cooked and tender before peeling to ease preparation.
- Use stale or oven-dried French bread cubes to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Ground chicken or beef can be used interchangeably based on preference.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
