Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is a flavorful and indulgent seafood dish made with shrimp, scallops, and lump crabmeat, all enveloped in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and a crunchy panko topping makes it a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, making it versatile and convenient for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:

  • 3 pounds oxtails

  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon allspice

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped

  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3-4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero pepper)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 16 ounces canned butter beans, drained

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • ½ cup chopped scallions

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Oxtails: Marinate the oxtails in Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, allspice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

2. Brown the Oxtails: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the oxtails on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Stew: Add the oxtails back to the skillet along with carrots, bell peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, bay leaves, thyme, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 2-3 hours on medium-low until the meat is fork-tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the butter beans with cornstarch, then stir into the stew. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot with rice or your preferred side dishes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 500 kcal

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Protein: 47g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 675mg

• Cholesterol: 235mg

A Rich and Creamy Sauce

The heart of Captain George’s Seafood Casserole lies in its creamy Parmesan sauce. The sauce is made by combining heavy cream and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, which melts into a rich, smooth coating for the seafood. The Parmesan adds a slightly nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the mild sweetness of the shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat.

In addition to the Parmesan, the sauce is seasoned with aromatic ingredients such as garlic, onion, and a blend of herbs. These ingredients infuse the sauce with warmth and depth, creating a flavor base that enhances the natural tastes of the seafood. The creaminess of the sauce and the delicate flavors of the seafood come together beautifully, making each bite comforting and satisfying.

The Perfect Seafood Medley

Captain George’s Seafood Casserole showcases a variety of seafood, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to the dish. Shrimp, with its firm and slightly sweet flesh, forms the backbone of the dish. Scallops add a touch of delicacy, their tender texture and subtle sweetness contrasting beautifully with the shrimp. Lump crabmeat provides richness and depth, with its soft, flaky texture enhancing the overall dish.

The combination of these three types of seafood not only creates a dish that is bursting with flavor but also provides a variety of textures, ensuring every bite offers something different. The seafood is the star of the dish, and the creamy sauce helps bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient without overpowering them.

A Crunchy, Golden Panko Topping

One of the standout features of Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is its crunchy panko topping. Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the casserole. The panko is often tossed with a bit of melted butter, allowing it to crisp up perfectly as the casserole bakes.

The golden, crispy topping not only adds texture but also helps balance the richness of the seafood and the creamy sauce. As you dig into the casserole, the crunchiness of the panko provides a delightful contrast to the tender seafood and smooth, cheesy sauce, making each bite more enjoyable.

Versatility in Cooking Methods

One of the great advantages of Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is its versatility when it comes to cooking methods. While the classic method involves baking the casserole in the oven, you can also adapt this recipe to a slow cooker or Instant Pot, depending on your time and equipment.

When prepared in the oven, the casserole is baked until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling with flavor. This method gives the dish a more traditional feel, with the heat of the oven allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

For those in a rush or looking for a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker is a great option. You can layer the seafood and sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook slowly over several hours. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to develop over time, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want to set it and forget it. The seafood will still be tender and flavorful, and the sauce will thicken beautifully as it simmers.

Alternatively, using an Instant Pot speeds up the cooking time dramatically. The pressure cooking function can tenderize the seafood and allow the sauce to develop its richness in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot is a fantastic choice if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy this indulgent dish.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is an ideal dish for any special occasion. Its rich and decadent flavors make it perfect for a celebratory dinner, whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, a birthday, or a dinner party. The combination of fresh seafood and creamy cheese sauce gives the dish a luxurious feel, making it an impressive choice when you want to serve something extraordinary.

In addition to its flavor and elegance, the casserole can be easily scaled up or down, depending on the number of guests you’re serving. It’s a flexible recipe that can accommodate large gatherings or be prepared in smaller portions for more intimate settings. This adaptability makes it an excellent option for any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone talking.

Side Dish Pairings

Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the entire meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, helping to balance out the flavors. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also work well with the dish, offering a slight bitterness that contrasts with the sweetness of the seafood.

For a more indulgent side, consider serving the casserole with garlic bread or crusty rolls. The bread will allow your guests to scoop up the creamy sauce, ensuring none of the delicious flavors go to waste. If you want to keep things light, steamed or sautéed greens such as spinach or kale make for a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.

Making It Your Own

While Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to suit your personal taste. For example, you can experiment with different types of seafood, such as lobster, clams, or mussels, to create your own seafood medley. If you prefer a spicier dish, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

For those who prefer a slightly tangier flavor, substituting some of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese can give the sauce an added layer of richness and a slight tang. You can also adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese based on how cheesy you like your casseroles—add more for a cheesier dish or reduce it for a lighter taste.

Conclusion

Captain George’s Seafood Casserole is a show-stopping dish that combines the finest seafood with a creamy, flavorful sauce, topped with a crispy panko crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and indulgent texture. Its versatility in cooking methods makes it an easy dish to prepare, regardless of your schedule or kitchen equipment, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious seafood feast whenever you like.

With its combination of shrimp, scallops, lump crabmeat, and Parmesan cheese, Captain George’s Seafood Casserole offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it an unforgettable meal. Whether served as the centerpiece of a festive dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.