Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor? Say hello to Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers! This Cajun-inspired delight combines the hearty goodness of seasoned sausage and aromatic vegetables, all nestled inside vibrant bell peppers. In just 45 minutes, you can create a meal that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also impresses your family and friends. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 pound ground sausage
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Begin by preparing the bell peppers. Cut the tops off of each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water to clean, then set them aside to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook it 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 browned, add the diced onion, diced celery, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when stuffing the peppers.
- Carefully spoon the dirty rice mixture into each of the prepared bell peppers, packing it in gently but firmly. Fill each pepper to the top with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they do not stand up on their own, you can trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
- Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cajun-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Colorful Peppers: For a visually appealing dish, use a mix of bell pepper colors—red, yellow, and green. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Cook Rice Ahead: To save time, cook your rice ahead of time. You can even use leftover rice from a previous meal, making this recipe a great way to reduce food waste!
- Adjust the Spice: If you like it hot, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture. Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so taste as you go!
- Let the Filling Cool: Allow the sausage and vegetable mixture to cool slightly before stuffing the peppers. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the peppers from wilting too quickly.
- Foil for Moisture: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking to keep the peppers moist. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps to achieve a nice, golden top.
- Garnish for Freshness: Serve your stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
