Name: Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium); 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized); 1 tsp liquid crab boil; 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; 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

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Cajun Flavor: Packed with the bold flavors of shrimp, Cajun spices, and the classic Louisiana vegetable trio.
Holiday Favorite: A traditional dish perfect for festive meals and family gatherings.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Savory, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted with different proteins or spice levels.

Ingredients

2 ½ lbs mirlitons (4-5 medium)
1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
1 tsp liquid crab boil
1 lb seasoned ground meat (such as beef or chicken)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp hot sauce (vinegar-based)
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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare Mirlitons:

Boil mirlitons until tender (about 45-60 minutes), then cool, chop, and discard any tough bits.

2. Cook Shrimp:

Soak shrimp in crab boil water. Cook in melted butter just until pink and remove from heat.

3. Cook Ground Meat and Veggies:

Brown the ground meat in a large pan, then add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft.

4. Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, bread cubes, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper with the meat-veggie mixture.

5. Assemble Casserole:

Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

6. Bake:

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Servings and Timing

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Variations

Add Crab Meat: For a more luxurious version, add lump crab meat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and shrimp; use mushrooms and extra veggies.
Creole Twist: Add diced tomatoes or Creole seasoning for a tangy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Not recommended due to texture changes.
Make Ahead: Assemble the night before and bake the next day. Let dish sit at room temp before baking.

FAQs

What is a mirliton?

A pear-shaped squash also known as chayote, common in Louisiana cuisine.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thawed frozen shrimp works fine.

What if I can’t find crab boil?

Use Cajun seasoning and a splash of vinegar as a substitute.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Add cayenne or use spicy ground meat for a kick.

Can I substitute the bread?

Yes, use baguette, sourdough, or even white sandwich bread.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a true New Orleans classic, bringing rich flavors and comforting textures to your holiday or weeknight table. With a perfect blend of seafood, seasoned meat, and seasoned vegetables, it’s a dish rooted in tradition and sure to impress any crowd.