Skillet Salmon Casserole: Easy Recipe in 30 Minutes!

Skillet salmon casserole, that’s right, I said it. A creamy, comforting casserole made entirely in one skillet. Remember those nights when dinner felt impossible? This skillet salmon casserole is the answer I always wished I had back in my marketing executive days. A far cry from corporate presentations and spreadsheets, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal is still my kind of therapy.

This recipe is inspired by my grandmother, who could stretch a can of tuna and a handful of crackers into a feast. It’s been elevated to a skillet salmon casserole, using fresh salmon and a few carefully chosen ingredients to create a dish that’s both elegant and deeply comforting. If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor, then skillet salmon casserole is it.

Why You Will Love This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

This isn’t your average throw it all together casserole. This skillet salmon casserole brings sophistication to weeknight comfort food. The creamy sauce, tender salmon, and crispy topping create a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.

What makes this recipe special? It’s the speed! From prep to table in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. And the clean up is a breeze because, you guessed it, everything cooks in one skillet! It’s my go to when I crave something comforting and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is the better, easier form of One Pot Salmon Casserole.

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Ingredients Needed for This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

For the Salmon and Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. 3. Add the salmon pieces to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned but not fully cooked. They will finish cooking in the oven.
4. 4. Remove the salmon and vegetables from skillet while keeping any oil or liquid rendered in the skillet. Set aside.
5. 5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumps.
6. 6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
7. 7. Gently fold the cooked salmon, sautéed vegetables, and frozen peas into the creamy sauce. Spread evenly in the skillet.
8. 8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
10. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. You can even add some dill or chives!
11. 11. This is perfect comfort food, just like Skillet Beef Casserole!

How to Serve This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

Serve your skillet salmon casserole hot, straight from the oven. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a lovely tang. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed asparagus for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika.

How to Store This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering the skillet or transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until warm.

Tips to Make This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

• Ingredient Swap: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini would all work well in this skillet salmon casserole.
• Success Tip: Don’t overcook the salmon when searing it at the beginning. It will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for just lightly browned on the outside.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure to whisk the milk into the roux slowly and constantly to avoid lumps in the creamy sauce.
• Pro Tip: To ensure your casserole topping is extra crispy, you can broil it for the last minute or two of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use my recipe for Sheet Pan Salmon Casserole 2 for a different casserole experience.

Helpful Notes for This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

Using good quality salmon makes a difference in this recipe. I prefer wild caught salmon for its flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh salmon, frozen salmon fillets work well too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. An oven safe skillet is a must have for this recipe!

Variation of This skillet salmon casserole Recipe

For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in the sauce. You can also add a splash of dry sherry to the sauce for added depth. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Gruyere could add to the flavor.

Conclusion

Give this skillet salmon casserole a try! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or whenever you need a comforting and delicious meal. It is also a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills, without spending hours in the kitchen. I’d love to hear from you, so leave your comments or questions! I know you’ll enjoy this delicious skillet salmon casserole!

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