Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers
5/5
Cajun stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines Cajun-seasoned ground meat, rice, and vegetables, all stuffed inside colorful bell peppers. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors and is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. The combination of Cajun spices, tender meat, and aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying and hearty dish that is sure to please.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground meat (such as beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Rinse the peppers with water and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced tomato to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the cooked rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down to fill the cavity completely.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper if desired.
- Return the peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffed bell peppers cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
TIPS
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding additional vegetables such as corn, diced zucchini, or chopped spinach.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. Add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.
- You can substitute the ground meat with vegetarian alternatives such as cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be refrigerated and reheated for another meal. Enjoy them as a quick and delicious lunch or dinner option.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories
- Protein: Around 20-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Fat: Around 10-15 grams
