Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering Cajun adventure! These Dirty Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers are not just a meal, they're a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Louisiana. Packed with savory sausage, perfectly seasoned rice, and colorful bell peppers, this recipe promises to be the most exciting dish you'll make this week. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to impress your family and friends, these stuffed peppers are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed bell peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set aside to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced celery and green onions to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when stuffing the peppers.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper with the sausage and rice mixture. Pack it in gently but firmly to ensure they hold their shape.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they are unsteady, you can trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking. This helps the peppers steam and become tender.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Dirty Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers warm, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cajun-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to ensure they stand upright while baking.
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground sausage and ground beef for a more complex taste profile.
- Don't skip the Cajun seasoning - it's the secret weapon that gives this dish its signature kick!
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare and stuff the peppers up to a day in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter version, try using turkey sausage or ground chicken instead of traditional pork sausage.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the meat to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
- Experiment with different types of rice, like brown rice or wild rice, for added nutrition and texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
