Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers get a bold and spicy upgrade with this Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers recipe! Featuring the signature smoky flavors of Andouille sausage, the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking (onion, celery, and bell pepper), and a hearty mix of Cajun spices, this dish is packed with Louisiana flair. Perfectly roasted and bursting with flavor, these stuffed peppers make for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings. Get ready to savor the essence of Southern cooking in every bite!
Equipment
- Large skillet (for cooking the filling)
- Cutting board and sharp knife (for chopping vegetables and meat)
- Mixing spoon (for stirring ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate seasoning)
- Baking dish (to hold the stuffed peppers)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the peppers during baking)
- Tongs or spatula (for handling peppers)
- Ladle (for stuffing the peppers easily)
- Oven mitts (for safely handling hot dishes)
Ingredients
- For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers red, green, yellow, or orange
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Cajun Filling:
- 1/2 pound Andouille sausage diced or ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper any color, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra spice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce for extra heat
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- 1/4 cup sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Optional: Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 3–5 minutes to soften them slightly. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Arrange the peppers in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Cook the Cajun Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Andouille sausage or ground meat and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- Stuff and Bake the Peppers:
- Fill each hollowed-out bell pepper generously with the Cajun filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the peppers cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
- Enjoy with a side of dirty rice or cornbread for an authentic Cajun meal!
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper to the filling.
Seafood Option: Replace the meat with shrimp or crawfish for a delicious seafood twist.
Make-Ahead Tip: Stuff the peppers a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed.
Enjoy your delicious Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers, a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors! 🌶🔥
Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper to the filling.
Seafood Option: Replace the meat with shrimp or crawfish for a delicious seafood twist.
Make-Ahead Tip: Stuff the peppers a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed.
Enjoy your delicious Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers, a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors! 🌶🔥