Description
This Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole is a classic Louisiana dish combining tender boiled mirlitons with sautéed shrimp, seasoned ground meat, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. The mixture is layered with cubed French bread, topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and baked to a golden, bubbling perfection. Perfect for a family gathering or a comforting meal that showcases Cajun flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Mirliton Preparation
- 2½ lbs mirlitons (4–5 medium)
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (51/60 size, bite-sized)
- 1 tsp liquid crab boil
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing shrimp)
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 Condiments
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread and Topping
- 4 cups French bread, cubed (stale or oven-dried)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Mirlitons: Boil whole mirlitons in a large pot of water for 45–60 minutes until they are fork-tender. Remove from water and allow to cool. Once cool, peel off the skins, remove the seeds and tough core, then chop the flesh into small pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Soak the shrimp briefly in water seasoned with 1 teaspoon of liquid crab boil. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the shrimp until they turn just pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from heat and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In the same or a separate large skillet, brown the seasoned ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Once browned, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mirlitons, cooked shrimp, meat and vegetable mixture, cubed French bread, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the combined mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot throughout. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To save time, mirlitons can be boiled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the casserole.
- If liquid crab boil is unavailable, substitute with a seafood seasoning or Old Bay seasoning for a similar flavor.
- Use stale or oven-dried French bread cubes to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to taste, depending on your desired spice level.
- The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for improved convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
