Paella Casserole - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2024)

This easy Paella Casserole is a riff on classic paella. Making it in casserole form brings it to the dinner table any night of the week.

Easy Paella Casserole Recipe

Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish prepared in a large pan outside over an open fire. The ingredients usually include chicken, spicy sausage, vegetables, and seafood.Or,any combination of those ingredients. The flavors are as intense and vibrant as the colors. Through travel, I was fortunate to taste authentic paella, and fell in love with this sassy dish. To make it family friendly, I needed to “remake” it a bit to turn it into a doable weeknight meal.

• Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• Vegetables – In a medium size pot cook the diced pepper and onion in a couple of drizzles of olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and brown. Add the minced garlic and saute for another minute. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
• Rice – Add the dry saffron rice and the amount of water called for on the package to the cooked veggies. Cook for the suggested time being careful not to overcook. Remove from the heat and cool.
• Combine – In a large mixing bowl stir together the cooked rice, chopped chicken, sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, soup, sour cream, olives, cilantro, 1 cup cheese and peas. Mix well. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste.
• Transfer to Dish – Pour into the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
• Melt the Cheese – Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes longer until bubbly and the cheese has melted. Serve garnished with cilantro pesto, if desired.

How to Make the BEST Paella Casserole Recipe

I’m taking some liberty with this dish because I’m preparing it in the oven as a casserole. However,if you enjoy Spanish inspired cuisine it’s a great way to enjoy those flavors with little fuss. My friend, who is originally from Spain, gave my version her stamp of approval.

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Paella Casserole:
• Kitchen tools you’ll need:
• Dishes likechicken and wild rice casseroleare always a welcome sight on the dinner table. Authentic paella would usually include seafood, and I include shrimp in mine. However, this is optional and up to you.
• This dish can be assembled one day in advance, covered and chilled until baking.
• When assembling in advance, give it 15 minutes on the counter to come to room temperature before baking.
• Paella is often served with a parsley or cilantro pesto that includes toasted almonds or pine nuts. For a shortcut you can garnish with toasted almonds instead. The crunchy nutty flavor really compliments the spicy flavors in this dish.
• If you’d like to whip-up pesto, I highly recommend trying my homemade Cilantro Pesto as a topping.

More Easy Casseroles to Make

• Easy Broccoli Casseroleremains an all time favorite.
• A holiday staple, this sweet and saltyPineapple Casserolegoes perfectly with ham and turkey.
• SouthernSweet Potato Casserolewith a pecan streusel topping.
• Barbecue Beef Tater Tot Casseroleis a one dish meal.
• Make aheadCheesy Mashed Potato Casserolecan be baked when you’re ready to eat.
• Southern Grits and Greens Casserolecan be enjoyed at any meal from breakfast to supper.
• Easy Broccoli Casseroleis a staple on our table year-round.
• Brussels Sprouts Casserole from The Pioneer Woman.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Baking Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Kitchen Utensils
• Chopping Board and Knives